Despite the chilly weather in Chicago this weekend, the 38th Annual Cubs Convention brought to mind the warm memories of summer days at Wrigley Field. This year, the annual January gathering of fans, players, and key figures of the franchise generated even more excitement, particularly due to one significant reason: Sammy Sosa’s return after two decades away from the team. The Cubs’ all-time home run leader, seven-time All-Star, and 1998 National League MVP made a celebrated comeback to the Cubs Convention.
CBS Chicago’s Matt Zahn captured the moment, sharing a video of Sosa’s entrance where the crowd erupted in cheers upon his introduction.
A huge ovation for Sammy Sosa as he’s introduced here at Cubs Convention.
Sosa and Derrek Lee announced as the newest members of the Cubs Hall of Fame. @cbschicago pic.twitter.com/FdoxgFdSZN— Matt Zahn (@mattzahnsports) January 18, 2025
Sosa’s return was officially announced in December, following a joint statement from both the player and team that acknowledged past misunderstandings and aimed to foster reconciliation. This weekend marked his first official appearance with the Cubs since 2004, coinciding with his induction into this season’s Cubs Hall of Fame class. After brief tenures with the Texas Rangers and Chicago White Sox, Sosa joined the Cubs before the 1992 season and rose to prominence as one of Major League Baseball’s biggest stars during the 1990s and early 2000s.
While the Cubs often struggled to remain competitive in the playoff race, Sosa consistently provided fans with unforgettable moments, hitting 545 of his 609 career home runs with the team. Notably, from 1995 to 2004, he surpassed 35 home runs each season. He is perhaps best known for his remarkable 1998 season, where he famously battled St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Mark McGwire for the single-season home run record. Although McGwire ultimately finished with 70 home runs to Sosa’s 66, Sosa walked away with the league MVP award.
Social media was flooded with adoration and nostalgia for Sosa upon his return.
Andre Dawson 🤝 Sammy Sosa pic.twitter.com/mJCIABazTj
— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) January 18, 2025
INCREDIBLE. A young Cubs fan asks Sammy Sosa if he could teach him “The Hop” and Sammy stopped everything to show him. Sammy was awesome at our signing today. Thanks Sammy. Thanks Cubs. #SammySosa #SosaHop pic.twitter.com/H7JoYWO8ta
— OBVIOUS SHIRTS® (@obvious_shirts) January 18, 2025
Sammy Sosa returning makes me think of my childhood days of pre-HD square ratio analog TV broadcasts and Wrigley Field being held together by tape and chicken wire.
pic.twitter.com/ULA55vgEQa— Alex Patt (@chifanpatt2) January 18, 2025
Cubs players with Sammy Sosa 🐻 pic.twitter.com/Jgxjri77Fr
— Cubs Zone (@CubsZone) January 17, 2025
