Sammy Sosa, one of the most iconic figures in Cubs history, made his long-awaited return to Wrigley Field on Friday, marking his first visit in over two decades. The 56-year-old was warmly greeted by Cubs owner Tom Ricketts and was honored with a video tribute during the game against the Seattle Mariners.
Sosa, who will be inducted into the Cubs’ Hall of Fame later this year, is remembered for his incredible power and his memorable 66-home run season in 1998.
Sosa’s Impact on the Cubs
Sosa, who played for the Cubs from 1992 to 2004, was one of the faces of the franchise. He was a seven-time All-Star and hit a total of 545 home runs with the team. His 66 home runs in 1998 helped propel the Cubs to success, and he was awarded the National League MVP that year.
However, Sosa’s career also came with controversy. During his time with the Cubs, Sosa was often linked to performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs), a common theme among baseball players of his generation. Sosa recently acknowledged his past mistakes, apologizing for his actions but also clarifying that he never broke any laws.
A Special Return to Wrigley
On Friday, Sosa, who retired after playing his final game with the Cubs in 2004, arrived at Wrigley Field and was greeted with a warm hug from Cubs owner Tom Ricketts. Later, he posed for photos with rising star Pete Crow-Armstrong and shared an emotional moment with manager Craig Counsell.
Sosa also received a video tribute after the second inning, with fans giving him a standing ovation from a suite as he waved and bowed.
Cubs Honoring Sosa’s Legacy
Sosa’s return to Wrigley Field is part of a celebration of his remarkable career, but also a reminder of how much the game has changed. Cubs manager Craig Counsell, who faced Sosa as a player, praised Sosa’s ability to entertain and inspire fans with his long homers and energy.
Counsell said, “Probably the best thing, Sammy was a true entertainer… we’re here to entertain, and I think Sammy was great at that.”
Looking to the Future
As Sosa is honored by the Cubs, there’s a sense of legacy and excitement for the next generation of Cubs players. On Thursday, Pete Crow-Armstrong set a new Cubs record by reaching 20 home runs and 20 stolen bases in just 73 games—breaking Sosa’s previous record of 96 games.
