By Emmanuel Espinal and Nelson Santana
September 9, 2025
A Legendary Return
Sammy Sosa, a Dominican icon in the world of baseball, has been officially welcomed back into the fold of the Chicago Cubs organization. After more than two decades without appearing at Wrigley Field, the former slugger was honored over the weekend with induction into the team’s Hall of Fame, alongside his former teammate Derrek Lee, in a touching celebration that closes a period of estrangement and opens new doors.
Wearing a resplendent blue jacket — the symbol of the franchise's immortals — Sosa threw the ceremonial first pitch and joined in the traditional singing of “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” during the seventh inning. This reappearance marks the end of a long-standing rift between the athlete and Cubs management, who had once made a public apology — specifically related to the use of banned substances during baseball’s so-called “Steroid Era” — a precondition for his return.
Through a public letter released last December, Sosa acknowledged past mistakes and issued an apology. “I never violated any laws, but in hindsight, I made some mistakes, and I ask for forgiveness,” he said. That letter served as the pathway to reestablish his bond with the institution.
According to Cubs Executive Chairman Tom Ricketts, “We appreciate Sammy releasing his statement and for reaching out,… No one played harder or wanted to win more. Nobody’s perfect, but we never doubted his passion for the game and the Cubs.”
The Numbers That Define a Legend
Sammy Sosa epitomized offensive power. During his 13 seasons with the Cubs, he hit 545 of his 609 career home runs, earned seven All-Star selections, six Silver Slugger Awards, and was named National League MVP in 1998. That same year, he was part of the unforgettable home run chase against Mark McGwire — a race that reignited national enthusiasm for baseball after the 1994 player strike.
Even more impressive, he remains the only player in MLB history to hit 60 or more home runs in three different seasons. But his impact goes far beyond the numbers: Sosa transformed Wrigley Field into a global tourist destination and helped reshape the public perception of the Cubs.
Potential October Appearance
With the Cubs currently leading the race for the National League’s top wild card spot, the team could face the San Diego Padres in the opening round of the playoffs. With Sammy “back home,” rumors are swirling that he may be invited to throw out the first pitch in October, or even lead the traditional seventh-inning stretch song during the postseason.
“We’ll see what the future holds,” said Sosa. “I feel like positive moments are coming. I’m happy to be here and contribute.”
His return not only reunites a player with his team, but also rekindles the emotional bond between the Dominican community and one of its greatest sports icons.
“We’ll see what the future holds,” said Sosa. “I feel like positive moments are coming. I’m happy to be here and contribute.”
A Dominican Moment for the History Books
Sammy Sosa’s return goes beyond baseball — it stands as a powerful symbol for the Dominican diaspora. In an era when many legends are ignored or sidelined, this tribute to Sosa represents a long-overdue act of recognition. His induction into the Cubs Hall of Fame restores him to the place he never should have left: the heart of baseball and of his people.
An Emotional Homecoming at Wrigley Field
June 20, 2025, will go down as a historic date for Dominican baseball. After more than two decades of unjust exile, Samuel Sosa stepped once again onto the sacred grass of Wrigley Field — not as a visitor, but as the prodigal son finally returning home. The moment was electric: when his name echoed over the loudspeakers, the entire stadium rose in a prolonged standing ovation, with chants of “¡Sammy! ¡Sammy!” ringing like an anthem of redemption.
The fans’ reception was the clearest proof that true legends transcend temporary controversies. The tears in Sosa’s eyes reflected not only the emotion of the moment, but also the release of years of enforced silence. “This is my home,” he declared, with a mix of nostalgia and pride that captured decades of longing. The embrace of a community that never forgot him showed that the genuine love of the people outweighs any institutional silence, reaffirming what had always been obvious: Sosa’s true home was never anywhere but Wrigley Field.
The Boy from Consuelo Who Conquered the World
Ramón Samuel Sosa Peralta was born on November 12, 1968, in the humble town of Consuelo, Dominican Republic, into a family of limited means. His childhood was marked by adversity: after the premature death of his father, young Sammy had to shine shoes and wash cars to help support the family. But those difficult circumstances forged the unbreakable character that would later make him a global legend.
His journey from poverty to glory is one of the most moving narratives in all of sports. Signed by the Texas Rangers at age 16, he made his MLB debut in 1989 at the legendary Yankee Stadium. But it was in San Pedro de Macorís that he developed his revolutionary mindset: to turn the baseball diamond into his kingdom and prove that Caribbean talent could conquer any stage. With relentless determination and that signature smile, he transformed every plate appearance into a statement — showing that he wasn’t just swinging bats, but breaking down barriers, prejudices, and limits imposed on Latino players.
Sammy is back. And this time, to stay.
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