Despite the chilly temperatures in Chicago this weekend, the 38th Annual Cubs Convention stirred nostalgia for summer days at Wrigley Field among fans. The excitement at this year’s January gathering of fans, players, and franchise icons was heightened by the much-anticipated return of Sammy Sosa, the Cubs’ all-time home run leader and seven-time All-Star. After a two-decade absence, Sosa returned to the Cubs Convention, and his presence was a significant highlight of the event.
CBS Chicago’s Matt Zahn captured the moment, sharing a video of Sosa’s triumphant return as 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 much-anticipated return was officially confirmed in December with a statement from both the player and the team, addressing past mistakes and setting the stage for new beginnings. This weekend marked his first official appearance with the Cubs since 2004, and he was announced as one of this season’s inductees into the Cubs Hall of Fame. After brief stints with the Texas Rangers and Chicago White Sox, Sosa joined the Cubs prior to the 1992 season, quickly becoming a superstar of Major League Baseball in the 1990s and early 2000s. Throughout the years, while the Cubs often struggled in the playoff race, Sosa consistently dazzled fans, hitting 545 of his 609 career home runs with the team. From 1995 to 2004, he maintained a remarkable streak of hitting at least 35 home runs each season.
Notably, Sosa is best remembered for his historic 1998 season when he contended with St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Mark McGwire for the single-season home run record of 61. Although McGwire ultimately finished with 70 home runs to Sosa’s 66, Sosa earned the league’s MVP award for his extraordinary performance. This season, he will be honored at a Cubs game at Wrigley Field, with the specific date to be announced.
