Sammy Sosa Returns: Wrigley Welcomes Cubs Legend
- CHICAGO -- Sammy Sosa, the legendary Cubs slugger, made his first appearance at Wrigley Field in over two decades on friday.
- sosa, 56, is slated for induction into the Cubs' team Hall of Fame this year.
- The former right fielder became the face of the Cubs, playing 13 seasons after a 1992 trade from the White Sox.
After two decades, Sammy Sosa, a Cubs legend, triumphantly returned to Wrigley Field on Friday, igniting cheers and nostalgia.Sosa’s highly anticipated Wrigley Field return was met with open arms, showcasing his enduring connection with fans. Manager Craig Counsell highlighted sosa’s essential entertainment role, recognizing his important contributions both on and off the field. The former right fielder,a seven-time All-star,played a pivotal role in Cubs history,hitting a staggering 545 home runs,a franchise record. This visit marks a significant moment, adding another chapter to his legacy. News Directory 3 is excited to share this significant event. Discover what’s next for Sosa’s Hall of Fame induction.
Sammy Sosa Returns to Wrigley After 20 Years, Hailed for Entertainment Role
Updated June 20, 2025
CHICAGO — Sammy Sosa, the legendary Cubs slugger, made his first appearance at Wrigley Field in over two decades on friday. The return occurred before Chicago’s afternoon game against the Seattle Mariners.
sosa, 56, is slated for induction into the Cubs’ team Hall of Fame this year. He arrived at the ballpark in a black SUV and was greeted with a hug from team owner Tom Ricketts.
The former right fielder became the face of the Cubs, playing 13 seasons after a 1992 trade from the White Sox. A seven-time All-Star, Sosa hit 545 home runs in 1,811 games with the cubs, including a franchise-record 66 in 1998, earning him the NL MVP award. his final game as a Cub at Wrigley was Oct. 2, 2004.
His career was also marked by controversy. sosa’s physique changed dramatically,and he became linked to performance-enhancing drugs. In 2005, the Cubs traded Sosa to Baltimore.
In December, Sosa released a statement seemingly acknowledging the use of performance-enhancing drugs, apologizing for unspecified “mistakes.” He stated, “There were times I did whatever I could to recover from injuries… I never broke any laws. But in hindsight, I made mistakes and I apologize.”
Before Friday’s game, Sosa posed for photos with rising Cubs star Pete Crow-Armstrong. Video footage showed him embracing manager Craig Counsell.
Counsell joked, “(Sosa) saw the wind blowing out today and planned this trip around a good day to be hear. He asked to be in the lineup as the wind’s blowing out.”
The cubs did not announce any specific ceremony related to Sosa’s return.
Crow-Armstrong recently set a new team record, reaching 20 home runs and 20 stolen bases in just 73 games, surpassing Sosa’s previous mark of 96 games set in 1994. This highlights the evolving role of players in the modern game.
Counsell, who once faced Sosa as a player, praised the former slugger’s power and entertainment value. “Probably the best thing, Sammy was a true entertainer,” Counsell saeid. “I think when you’re in this long enough, you realize that’s part of this. We’re also here to entertain and I think Sammy was great at that.”
What’s next
Sosa’s Hall of Fame induction is expected to draw significant attention, further cementing his legacy with the Chicago Cubs and Major League Baseball.