When Sosa was asked specifically about apologizing for PEDs, he said, “No.” He said he was apologizing to the fans.

Chicago Cubs Executive Chairman Tom Ricketts announced at tonight’s Cubs Convention Opening Ceremony that former Cubs first baseman Derrek Lee and outfielder Sammy Sosa will be inducted into the Cubs Hall of Fame this year.

After over 20 years of absence from the Chicago Cubs organization after serving as the franchise icon for the previous decade, former North Side slugger Sammy Sosa was welcomed back by fans at this year's Cubs Convention.

Former Chicago Cubs star Sammy Sosa is being elected to the team’s Hall of Fame, alongside former first baseman Derek Lee. The step towards reconciliation between Sosa and the Cubs began when Sosa released a statement in December.

RIcketts on Sosa reunion: "We can just accept the fact that there were a lot of guys doing things that the league was discouraging."

Sammy Sosa headed up the steps and onto the stage, clutching a small American flag in his right hand. The former Cubs icon beamed as he jogged across the platform, reaching down to high-five some fans as he soaked in the cheers and familiar chants of his name.

After over two decades away from the franchise, Sammy Sosa was finally welcomed back at Cubs Convention last night.

A “very special” edition of the Cubs Convention kicked off Friday with the return of Sammy Sosa from Cubbie exile after 20 years, the introduction of new star Kyle Tucker and powder blue alternate jerseys and the same old hopes and dreams of the last 39 years.

Sammy Sosa sprinting into the field with the American flag in hand. The post Sammy Sosa’s Iconic 9/11 Tribute Revisited as He Reunites With Cubs for Hall of Fame Induction appeared first on EssentiallySports.

Sammy Sosa and Derrek Lee will be inducted into the Cubs Hall of Fame in 2025, with a ceremony at Wrigley Field this summer.

Cubs chairman Tom Ricketts, from left, Derrek Lee and Sammy Sosa take the stage during the opening ceremony of the Cubs Convention at the Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk on Jan. 17, 2025. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)