CHICAGO — In a recent development, Sammy Sosa appears to have acknowledged his previous use of performance-enhancing drugs during a remarkable career where he smashed over 600 home runs. The Chicago Cubs have expressed their readiness to welcome back the iconic player.
On Thursday, Sosa released a statement via Aurora Global Consulting, expressing remorse for his past decisions without detailing specific actions. “Throughout my career, there were moments when I did whatever necessary to heal from injuries and to maintain my performance throughout the season,” he stated. “I never violated any laws. However, reflecting on those times, I recognize that I made errors, and for that, I apologize.”
Tom Ricketts, the chairman of the Cubs, expressed support for Sosa and noted that the team is eager to progress together. The Cubs plan to invite Sosa to their annual fan convention scheduled for January 17-19 in Chicago. “We are grateful for Sammy’s openness in his statement and for reaching out to us,” Ricketts commented. “No one had a greater desire to succeed than he did. Although nobody is perfect, we have always appreciated his dedication to both the game and the Cubs. It would be an understatement to say that he remains a favorite among fans.”
Sosa, who holds the Cubs’ franchise record with 545 home runs, was traded to the Baltimore Orioles after an unfortunate incident where he arrived late and departed early during the 2004 season finale at Wrigley Field. Along with fellow players Barry Bonds and Mark McGwire, Sosa faced scrutiny from allegations surrounding performance-enhancing drugs usage. In 2022, they fell significantly short of being inducted into the Hall of Fame during their last opportunity on the Baseball Writers’ Association of America ballot, with Sosa receiving only 18.5% of the votes—far below the 75% threshold needed for election. His next possible chance for induction will arise if he is nominated to the contemporary player committee, which convenes next December.
Now aged 56, Sosa enjoyed a successful career as a seven-time All-Star and was awarded the National League MVP in 1998. He boasts a .273 batting average, alongside 609 home runs—currently placing him ninth on the all-time list—1,667 RBIs, and 234 stolen bases across 18 seasons in Major League Baseball from 1989 to 2007, playing for Texas, the Chicago White Sox, the Cubs, and Baltimore. In 2005, during congressional hearings, Sosa denied the use of performance-enhancing substances.
Reflecting on his past with the Cubs and their fanbase, Sosa stated in his announcement, “As a team, we achieved remarkable milestones, and I dedicated myself intensely to improve my batting skills. Cubs fans are the finest in the world, and I sincerely hope we can reunite and embrace the future together. Although we cannot alter what has already happened, I believe the future holds promise. Deep down, I have always been a Cub, and I am looking forward to reuniting with Cubs fans once more.”
