Over the weekend, the Chicago Cubs hosted the 38th annual Cubs Convention in downtown Chicago. The event brought fans, players, and franchise legends together to celebrate their favorite sports franchise, with one of the major highlights being the return of Sammy Sosa.
Sosa played for the Cubs from 1992 to 2004 before being traded prior to the 2005 season, resulting in a long estrangement from the team. Upon his return, he received a hero’s welcome, and Cubs chairman Tom Ricketts made a significant announcement: Sosa and former Cubs first baseman Derrek Lee would be enshrined in the Cubs Hall of Fame later this season. Just Baseball’s Ryan Herrera shared Ricketts’s announcement and fans’ reaction on his X account.
Here’s the reaction in the room as Tom Ricketts announced Sammy Sosa and Derrek Lee as the new Cubs Hall of Famers pic.twitter.com/y3AvUkVtZV
— Ryan Herrera (@ryan_a_herrera) January 18, 2025
During his 13 seasons with the Cubs, Sosa hit 545 of his 609 career home runs, making him the franchise’s all-time home run leader and one of only nine Cubs to win the National League MVP. His slugging prowess, energetic play style, and larger-than-life personality continue to resonate with Chicago fans today. Ricketts praised Sosa, stating, “Sammy was not only one of the greatest home run hitters of all time, but he was a crowd favorite who sprinted out to right field at the start of each game. His defensive play was All-Star caliber. We are privileged to have him back at the Cubs Convention to celebrate.”
Sosa expressed his gratitude, saying, “It’s overwhelming to receive this news. I owe so much to the Ricketts family and the Cubs organization, as well as the fans. It’s thrilling to be back in Chicago and see the fans who have meant so much to me. I’m honored to be inducted into the Cubs Hall of Fame and look forward to the ceremony this summer.”
Derrek Lee, who was traded to the Cubs from the Florida Marlins before the 2004 season, also expressed his excitement about the honor after initially facing skepticism from fans due to his past as a “Cubs Killer.” However, he quickly became a beloved player, spending six-and-a-half seasons with the Cubs before moving to the Atlanta Braves at the 2010 trade deadline. His impressive Cubs career was highlighted by a remarkable 2005 season where he flirted with the National League’s triple crown, finishing first in batting average (.335) and second in home runs (46), with 179 home runs and a .298 batting average over nearly 1,000 games.
Ricketts noted the significance of the Hall of Fame induction, remarking, “The committee selected two of the greatest hitters to ever play for the Cubs. Derrek, a relentless competitor, was vital first base presence and one of the most consistent hitters in Cubs history.” Lee reflected on his time with the Cubs, saying, “My seven years meant so much to my family and me, both as a person and a player. To be included among such greats is humbling. Cubs fans are the best in baseball, and I will forever be grateful for their support and the entire Cubs organization for this honor. Wrigley Field is special, and I can’t wait to return this summer.”
Sosa and Lee will be honored at Wrigley Field later this season, with the date yet to be announced.
