For the first time in over 20 years, Sammy Sosa is wearing a Chicago Cubs uniform.
Sosa arrived at Cubs camp this week, less than two months after he and the team reconciled following two decades of silence. The Cubs traded Sosa to the Baltimore Orioles in January 2005 after the seven-time All-Star feuded with management.
Sosa released a statement in December apologizing for “mistakes” he made in his playing career. The 1998 NL MVP allegedly tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs in 2003, though he repeatedly denied ever using steroids.
The old wounds are mended, however. Chicago announced in January that Sosa will enter the Cubs’ Hall of Fame later this year.
Currently serving as an alumni instructor, Sosa spent Tuesday’s 4-2 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks chatting with players in the Cubs’ dugout.
“I’m just glad to be here,” Sosa told the Marquee Network.
Sosa remains among the most prolific hitters in Cubs history, hitting .284 with 545 home runs and 1,414 RBI in 13 seasons. He averaged 55 home runs from 1998-2003, including his famous 66-home run season in 1998.
Sosa and former St. Louis Cardinals star Mark McGwire are the only players with at least three 60-home run seasons.
According to Baseball-Reference, Sosa totaled a 58.8 bWAR in a Cubs uniform. Only five Cubs players—Cap Anson, Ron Santo, Ryne Sandberg, Ernie Banks, and Billy Williams—tallied a higher bWAR.
The 56-year-old Sosa’s playing days are long behind him. Now, his goal is to mentor the next generation of Cubs players.
“I’m here,” Sosa said. “I’m back to my environment.
“It reminds me like I’m playing again,” he added, “but different on the bench now.”
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