Why Sammy Sosa is finally returning to Wrigley Field after 21-year absence
Sammy Sosa is one of the greatest Chicago Cubs of all time, earning seven All-Star appearances during his 13-year career with the team and landing a spot in the team's Hall of Fame.
But since his departure from the team in 2004 and particularly his retirement from baseball in 2007, that relationship was outright severed. That changed in the last year, and now, Sosa is set to make his return to Wrigley Field for the first time since his last game with the Cubs.
Sosa's appearance on Friday was initially meant to be a surprise with a grandiose mid-game reveal, but USA TODAY Sports MLB columnist Bob Nightengale posted the scoop on social media Friday morning.
Sosa's strained relationship with the Cubs began with his departure from the team in 2004. Before he was traded to the Baltimore Orioles, Sosa opted not to play in his final game in Chicago. He left Wrigley Field in the first inning, and though he later argued he stayed later into the game, the Cubs ultimately released surveillance footage showing Sosa leaving the parking lot.
Between his ugly exit and, later, when it was revealed that he had reportedly failed a test for performance-enhancing drugs, his relationship with the Cubs ended. Owner Tom Ricketts, who bought the team in 2009 after Sosa's retirement, stated that Sosa wouldn't be welcomed back until he apologized for doping.
That apology (sort of) came last December, when Sosa took accountability for his "mistakes." Though he did not explicitly admit to using PEDs, that was good enough for Ricketts, who invited Sosa to the annual Cubs Convention event.
Now, the two will take an even bigger step in repairing their relationship with Sosa returning to the stands at Wrigley for Friday's game against the Seattle Mariners. Sosa will also be inducted as a member of the Cubs Hall of Fame later this year.
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