Apologizes for Steroid Use [WATCH]

Former Chicago Cubs star Sammy Sosa, one of baseball’s most prolific sluggers during the steroid era, has issued an apology to fans, marking a potential turning point in his strained relationship with the team.

In a statement released Thursday through Aurora Global Consulting, Sosa acknowledged past mistakes, signaling a willingness to reconcile with the Cubs organization and its fans.

“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,” Sosa said in his statement.

“I never broke any laws. But in hindsight, I made mistakes and I apologize.”

A statement and an apology from Sammy Sosa: pic.twitter.com/jthuuULVrh

— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) December 19, 2024

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The apology comes after years of denial regarding allegations of performance-enhancing drug (PED) use.

Sosa’s name has been intertwined with the steroid controversy that also enveloped stars like Barry Bonds and Mark McGwire, preventing them from reaching the Baseball Hall of Fame.

Cubs chairman Tom Ricketts responded positively to Sosa’s statement, expressing the organization’s readiness to move forward.

Ricketts announced plans to invite Sosa to the Cubs’ annual fan convention scheduled for January 17-19 in Chicago.

“We appreciate Sammy releasing his statement and for reaching out,” Ricketts said. “No one played harder or wanted to win more. Nobody’s perfect, but we never doubted his passion for the game and the Cubs. It is an understatement to say that Sammy is a fan favorite.”

Sosa remains the Cubs’ all-time leader in home runs, with 545 during his time with the team.

However, his tenure ended on a sour note in 2004 when he arrived late for the season finale and left Wrigley Field early.

He was traded to the Baltimore Orioles shortly after.

Sosa, now 56, was a seven-time All-Star and the 1998 National League MVP.

Over his 18-year Major League Baseball career, he hit .273 with 609 home runs, 1,667 RBIs, and 234 stolen bases, playing for the Texas Rangers, Chicago White Sox, Cubs, and Orioles.

His career totals rank him ninth in home runs in MLB history.

Despite his on-field achievements, Sosa’s association with PEDs has cast a long shadow.

In his final year of eligibility on the Baseball Writers’ Association of America Hall of Fame ballot in 2022, Sosa received only 18.5% of the vote, far short of the 75% threshold needed for induction.

His next opportunity for consideration would be through the contemporary player committee, which meets in December.

In his statement, Sosa expressed optimism about reconciling with the Cubs and their fans. “Cubs’ fans are the best in the world, and I hope that fans, the Cubs, and I can all come together again and move forward,” he said.

“We can’t change the past, but the future is bright. In my heart, I have always been a Cub, and I can’t wait to see Cubs fans again.”

Sosa’s apology follows a contentious exchange with reporters earlier this year.

During a March interview with Chicago sportscaster Lou Canellis, Sosa was surprised by a question about steroid use.

He sidestepped the topic but acknowledged his desire for a potential reunion with the Cubs.

The Cubs have faced pressure to honor Sosa, but Ricketts has been cautious. “I just want to be thoughtful about it and do it in a way that’s respectful of both the people that loved Sammy as a player—and people that respect the game, too,” Ricketts said in 2023.

Former Cubs legend Ryne Sandberg, whose statue was announced last year, echoed similar sentiments. “You got to respect the game and play the game the right way,” Sandberg said.

As Sosa and the Cubs navigate the complexities of reconciliation, his recent apology could be a key step toward rebuilding his legacy with the team and its fans.

Whether this effort leads to a full embrace by the Cubs community remains to be seen.

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