In a momentous development for the Chicago Cubs organization and its fans, legendary sluggers Sammy Sosa and Derrek Lee have been elected to the team’s Hall of Fame. The announcement came Friday night during the Cubs’ annual fan convention, with Sosa making his first official appearance at Wrigley Field in over two decades.
Sosa’s Emotional Return and Apology
For Sosa, the Cubs’ all-time home run leader with 545 dingers in a Chicago uniform, the honor carries extra significance. It marks his reconciliation with the club after years of estrangement following his unceremonious departure in 2004 amidst rumors of PED use.
Last month, the 56-year-old issued a public apology for mistakes made during his playing days:
There were times I did whatever I could to recover from injuries in an effort to keep my strength up to perform over 162 games. I never broke any laws. But in hindsight, I made mistakes and I apologize.
Speaking to the fans at the convention, an emotional Sosa expressed his joy at being back in the Cubs family:
I’ve been out for 21 years. I believe the time was right. I’m looking forward to continuing with the great fans.
Record-Breaking Cubs Careers
Sosa’s eye-popping numbers during his 13 years with the Cubs are forever etched in MLB lore:
- 545 home runs, including three seasons of 63+
- 1,414 RBIs
- 58.6 WAR
His 1998 duel with Mark McGwire to break Roger Maris’ single-season home run record captivated the nation and reenergized baseball.
Lee, a steady presence at first base for the Cubs from 2004-2010, put together an impressive resume of his own:
- 179 home runs
- 574 RBIs
- .298 batting average
- Gold Glove winner in 2005
A Summer Celebration at Wrigley
Sosa and Lee will be formally inducted into the Cubs Hall of Fame at a ceremony during the upcoming season. Fans will pack the Friendly Confines to honor two titans who left an indelible mark on Chicago baseball.
For Sosa especially, it represents a full-circle moment – a prodigal son returning home to a fan base eager to once again embrace their conquering hero. As he soaked in the adulation Friday night, The Crank could hardly contain his gratitude:
The response right away was incredible. Now the door is open, I have to continue to contribute (to the organization).
As two Cubs legends take their rightful place among the franchise’s immortals, the North Side faithful have a summer date circled to celebrate their remarkable achievements. Sosa and Lee, together again where it all began.
