Sammy Sosa Apologizes for Past “Mistakes,” Reunites with Chicago Cubs After 17-Year Rift

Chicago, IL — After 17 years of separation, Sammy Sosa and the Chicago Cubs have finally reconciled. The former Cubs slugger issued a public apology on Thursday, acknowledging “mistakes” from his playing career, which paved the way for his long-awaited return to the organization.

Sosa, one of baseball’s most iconic figures during the late 1990s and early 2000s, did not explicitly admit to using performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs). However, in his statement, the 56-year-old alluded to doing “whatever I could to recover from injuries” to maintain his performance throughout a grueling MLB season.

“I never broke any laws, but in hindsight, I made mistakes, and I apologize,” Sosa said.

The reconciliation comes after years of tension between the Cubs and Sosa, who hit 609 career home runs, including 545 as a Cub — the most in franchise history. Known for his electrifying home runs and fan-favorite status, Sosa hit 60 or more homers in three separate seasons (1998-2001) during baseball’s controversial “steroid era.”

Cubs Welcome Sosa Back to the Family

Following his apology, Cubs chairman Tom Ricketts responded positively, commending Sosa’s passion and dedication to the team.

“No one played harder or wanted to win more,” Ricketts said. “Nobody’s perfect, but we never doubted his love for the Cubs and the game. Sammy has always been a fan favorite, and it’s time to move forward together.”

The Cubs extended an invitation to Sosa for the 2025 Cubs Convention, marking the first official invitation since his retirement in 2007.

A New Chapter for Sosa and Cubs Fans

Sosa’s strained relationship with the Cubs largely stemmed from his controversial departure in 2004 and his connection to PEDs. While Sosa testified before Congress in 2005 denying PED use, a New York Times report later claimed he tested positive for banned substances in 2003.

The Cubs had long hinted that an apology was necessary for reconciliation, and now, both sides appear ready to move forward.

“In my heart, I’ve always been a Cub,” Sosa said. “We can’t change the past, but the future is bright. I can’t wait to see Cubs fans again.”

Fans eagerly anticipate Sosa’s official return to the Cubs organization, where his legacy as one of baseball’s greatest sluggers remains undeniable.