For the first time in over two decades, Sammy Sosa is back in a Chicago Cubs uniform. He arrived at the team’s camp this week, just weeks after reconciling with the organization following years of silence. The Cubs traded Sosa to the Orioles in 2005 after tensions with management, and he recently issued a statement apologizing for past “mistakes” during his career. Although he was linked to performance-enhancing drug allegations in 2003, Sosa has consistently denied using steroids. Now, with past conflicts resolved, the Cubs announced in January that Sosa will be inducted into their Hall of Fame later this year. Serving as an alumni instructor, he spent Tuesday’s 4-2 win over the Diamondbacks engaging with players in the dugout.
“I’m just happy to be here,” Sosa told the Marquee Network. He remains one of the most accomplished hitters in Cubs history, posting a .284 batting average with 545 home runs and 1,414 RBIs over 13 seasons. From 1998 to 2003, he averaged 55 home runs per season, including his iconic 66-homer campaign in 1998. Sosa and former Cardinals slugger Mark McGwire are the only players to record at least three seasons with 60 or more home runs. According to Baseball-Reference, Sosa amassed a 58.8 bWAR during his time with the Cubs—trailing only Cap Anson, Ron Santo, Ryne Sandberg, Ernie Banks, and Billy Williams in franchise history. Now 56, Sosa has long retired from playing but is focused on mentoring the next generation of Cubs players.
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