Official announcements from the Chicago Cubs or media reports

Sammy Sosa Apologizes for PED Use, Invited by Tom Ricketts to 2025 Cubs Convention for Reconciliation

Dec 19, 2024, 07:24 PM

Sammy Sosa has issued a public apology for past 'mistakes' related to his use of performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) during his career, marking a significant step towards reconciliation with the Chicago Cubs. In a statement, Sosa expressed regret for actions taken to recover from injuries in order to maintain his performance over the 162-game season, though he did not explicitly admit to using steroids. This apology has led to Cubs Chairman Tom Ricketts extending an invitation to Sosa for the 2025 Cubs Convention, signaling the end of a long-standing feud between the former slugger and the team. Sosa, who has not been welcomed back to Wrigley Field since his retirement in 2007, expressed eagerness to reconnect with Cubs fans. Ricketts acknowledged Sosa's passion for the game and the Cubs, emphasizing his status as a fan favorite and the team's readiness to move forward together. Sosa, who played 13 seasons with the Cubs, hit 609 home runs in his career, including a memorable home run race with Mark McGwire in 1998, and was named the National League MVP that year.