CHICAGO, IL – For two decades, the ivy-covered walls of Wrigley Field held a silence where once the thunderous crack of Sammy Sosa’s bat and his signature home run hop reigned supreme. That silence was shattered on Friday, June 20, 2025, as Chicago Cubs legend Sammy Sosa made an emotional and highly anticipated return to the Friendly Confines, marking a powerful reconciliation with the franchise and its devoted fanbase after a 21-year absence. The air was thick with anticipation, and when Sosa appeared, a wave of pure elation washed over the ballpark.
The atmosphere was electric, a scene reminiscent of Sosa’s glory days. As a video tribute to the former MVP played on the iconic scoreboard, showcasing his prodigious blasts and electrifying presence, the Wrigley faithful erupted. Chants of “Sammy, Sammy!” cascaded from the stands, a familiar chorus that had been sorely missed. Sosa, visibly moved, tapped his heart and blew kisses to the adoring crowd, a gesture that immediately connected with a generation of fans who grew up watching him redefine power hitting.
This momentous occasion signifies the healing of a long-standing rift between Sosa and the Cubs organization. Sosa’s abrupt departure in 2004 and subsequent allegations surrounding performance-enhancing drug use had cast a long shadow over his incredible career. However, a turning point arrived in December 2024 when Sosa issued a public apology for “mistakes” made during his career. While not explicitly addressing PEDs, the statement was a crucial step, paving the way for Cubs owner Tom Ricketts to extend an olive branch and invite Sosa back into the fold.
The road to this historic reunion has been a carefully navigated one, filled with gestures of goodwill. Sosa’s return began subtly in January 2025, when he attended the Cubs Convention, receiving a surprisingly warm reception from attendees. This was followed by a stint as a guest instructor during Spring Training, where he interacted with current Cubs players, sharing hitting insights and reconnecting with the game he loves. Young stars like Pete Crow-Armstrong, who recently broke a Sosa record for fastest to 20 homers and 20 stolen bases, even posed for photos with the slugger, a testament to his enduring legacy.
Cubs manager Craig Counsell, who faced Sosa as a player, lauded the former slugger’s showmanship. “Sammy was a true entertainer,” Counsell remarked. “He understood that. And he was phenomenal at it.” This sentiment resonates deeply with fans who witnessed Sosa’s boundless energy, his all-out sprints to right field, and the iconic hop out of the batter’s box after a long ball.
Sosa’s impact on the Cubs cannot be overstated. He remains the franchise’s all-time leader in home runs with 545, a statistic that speaks volumes about his offensive prowess. A seven-time All-Star and the 1998 National League MVP, Sosa captivated the baseball world during his epic home run race with Mark McGwire. His 66 home runs in ’98 set a club record, and he is the only player in MLB history to hit 60 or more home runs in three different seasons.
The culminating moment of this reconciliation will arrive in September when Sosa is formally inducted into the Cubs Hall of Fame, alongside former teammate Derrek Lee. This honor, long overdue in the eyes of many fans, will solidify his place among the pantheon of Cubs greats.
Friday’s return to Wrigley Field was more than just a reunion; it was a powerful moment of forgiveness, recognition, and rekindled connection. For Sammy Sosa, it was a chance to finally come home. For the Chicago Cubs and their loyal fanbase, it was the return of a beloved, if complicated, hero, marking a new, hopeful chapter in the rich history of a legendary franchise. The chants of “Sammy, Sammy!” echoed through the ballpark, not just as a cheer for a bygone era, but as a resounding welcome back to a man who, for so many, will always be “Slammin’ Sammy.”
