CHICAGO — Legendary Chicago Cubs slugger Sammy Sosa returned to Wrigley Field on Friday for the first time in more than 20 years — a major moment in Cubs history that comes ahead of his upcoming induction into the Cubs Hall of Fame.
Sosa, now 56, was warmly welcomed back to the Friendly Confines, receiving a hug from Cubs Chairman Tom Ricketts, a tribute on the video board, and a standing ovation from the crowd. The baseball icon responded with his signature heart tap and blown kisses — a nostalgic moment for fans who remembered his record-breaking home run chases of the late ‘90s.
“It’s like Disney World,” Sosa said during a live interview on Marquee Sports Network. “This place is amazing.”
A Complicated Return Years in the Making
Sosa last played for the Cubs in 2004 — but his exit was mired in controversy. He had been fined for leaving the ballpark early on the final game of the season, and tension with then-manager Dusty Baker made headlines. In a 2004 statement to the Sun-Times, Sosa said, “I’m tired of being blamed by Dusty Baker for all the failures of this club.”
The next season, the Cubs traded Sosa to the Baltimore Orioles, ending a 13-year Cubs career that included 609 career home runs, several All-Star selections, and league MVP honors in 1998.
Since then, the Cubs had distanced themselves from the former star, citing allegations of performance-enhancing drug use — allegations Sosa has denied.
Sammy’s home. pic.twitter.com/7nJL8YUjx8
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) June 20, 2025
A Step Toward Reconciliation
In recent years, however, the relationship has begun to thaw. In a 2024 statement, Sosa offered a semi-apology:
“I never broke any laws, but in hindsight, I made mistakes and I apologize,” he said, referring to the pressures of staying healthy during long MLB seasons.
This olive branch appears to have helped pave the way for his return. His Friday appearance coincided with the Cubs opening a three-game series against the Seattle Mariners, and it was met with overwhelming support from fans at the stadium and online.
Cubs Hall of Fame Induction Coming This Summer
According to Bruce Levine of The Score, Sosa is scheduled to be inducted into the Cubs Hall of Fame this summer, a long-anticipated honor for a player whose legacy, though complicated, is undeniably intertwined with the team’s modern history.
Sosa’s return was initially leaked online by reporter Bob Nightengale, further fueling anticipation among Cubs fans. Photos and videos of the visit quickly made rounds on social media, with the @Cubs Twitter account posting, “Sammy’s home.”
Sosa Reflects on the Moment
During his broadcast interview, Sosa shared that being back at Wrigley was not just a professional milestone but a deeply emotional experience.
“Being back after being gone for so long, everybody enjoyed it — myself, my family. Yeah, so I’m glad that I’m back,” he said.
Were you at Wrigley Field to witness Sammy Sosa’s return? What are your favorite memories of his Cubs career? Share your thoughts and photos in the comments on ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com.
