A moment etched in history—Sammy Sosa sprinting into the field with the American flag in hand. He was uniting the grieving nation in the wake of the tragic 9/11 attacks. The images of Slammin Sammy gave everyone hope during one of America’s darkest times. Now, decades later, Sosa recreated the same scene, this time though, not on Wrigley Field but on stage at the Cubs Convention, as the Chicago team announced Sosa would be inducted into the Hall of Fame this year.

During the convention, Sosa’s happiness knew no bounds. He rushed through the stage, waving the flag the way he had done decades before. And the crowd had gone off with chants of “Sam-my! Sam-my!” This moment was epic; it wasn’t just him waving the flag that once reunited the nation; he was meeting again with the team he had been aloof from for nearly 21 years. Sosa was a revered hero once but had his fair share of controversies after his sudden departure in 2004 because of apparent PEDs.

However, he had recently apologized, and on Friday night, the long-awaited reunion between Sammy Sosa and the organization was in sight. “It took me 21 years to get it,” Sosa mentioned, adding, “I’m here now, and everything happening is going to be great.” Sosa’s career with the club is more than legendary. Between 1998 and 2001, he slashed an average of about 61 home runs and 149 RBIs. He set the franchise record with 545 runs, and that’s not all.

Sosa’s main USP was his larger-than-life personality, and hence he was a fan favorite. One could say a rival to legends like Michael Jordan and Frank Thomas even. However, his exit from the team and PEDs had cast a dark cloud over his legacy. If Sammy Sosa hadn’t addressed those, that cloud would have still been there. As for Sosa, the public reaction was unbelievable. “I have to say that I never expected that reaction. I was happy just to be here, to see the fans clapping one more time. You know the way that I do it—I put on a show. I’m glad that I’m here, and I’m honored to be here today,” he said, noting he will certainly look forward to the celebrations coming soon this year.

Sammy Sosa proves an apology can reverse any damage

Sammy Sosa’s journey with the Chicago Cubs has been a roller coaster. From being a heartbeat, he went on being depart 21 years ago. However, his one statement from last month made it possible for him to be in the Cubs convention. “I never broke any laws, but in hindsight, I made mistakes, and I apologize,” wrote Sosa. And this was what triggered the comeback. However, some still had questions: What is he exactly apologizing for, and why now?

Well, for Sammy Sosa, the timing felt just right. He told Boog Sciambi and Cole Wright, “God is great. Remember that it was 21 years; I was out in a lot of places, but I decided to do it at the right time—2025.” However, his apology wasn’t about the possible PED use. Instead, Sammy Sosa clarified that he was talking about the emotional gap between him and his MLB fans, who once revered him.

“No, I’m referring, for example—look, 21 years out, I have the fans that loved me very much. Have to apologize to them,” said Sammy. Regardless, the fans have accepted that apology for all reasons. They embraced him with open arms, and Sosa couldn’t have been more grateful, he said. “Thanks to the Lord, and I look forward to seeing you guys in the next step.” For Sammy Sosa now, it’s not just dwelling on the past; it’s about building the bridge now, with the team he loves the most.

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