Sammy Sosa expresses regret for steroid ‘errors’ and anticipates a warm welcome back from the Cubs
On Thursday, Sammy Sosa publicly apologized for his supposed use of performance-enhancing drugs, over 25 years after he broke Major League Baseball’s home run record.
“There were moments when I sought every means to recover from injuries and maintain my performance throughout the 162-game season,” Sosa stated.
“I never violated any laws, but looking back, I realize I made mistakes and I sincerely apologize.”
The Cubs have long sought Sosa’s apology to restore him to their good standing, and on the same day, chairman Tom Ricketts announced that Sosa would be invited to the Cubs Convention fan event.
“No one is flawless, but we have always believed in his love for the game and the Cubs,” Ricketts remarked.
Over his 18-season career in MLB, Sosa hit 609 home runs and won the 1998 NL MVP award after hitting 66 homers, finishing just behind Mark McGwire’s record 70 that season. In subsequent years, he was among numerous players accused of using performance-enhancing substances and notably testified before Congress in 2005 alongside McGwire, Jose Canseco, Rafael Palmeiro, and Curt Schilling.
Sosa currently ranks ninth on the all-time home run list but has not been inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, having only received 18.5% of the vote during his decade on the ballot.
“I recognize why some players from my era may not receive the acknowledgment our records merit,” Sosa shared in his statement.
Although McGwire and others have made their admissions over the years, Sosa’s recent statement marks his first significant acknowledgment of the issue.
Ricketts added, “It’s an understatement to say that Sammy is beloved by fans.. We’re all eager to progress together.”
Sammy Sosa’s Career Stats
Sosa accumulated a total of 609 home runs throughout his career and remains the only player to have struck 60 or more home runs three times in a single season: 66 in 1998, 64 in 2001, and 63 in 1999.
Upon retiring after the 2007 season, he ranked fifth on the all-time home run leaderboard, trailing Barry Bonds, Hank Aaron, Babe Ruth, and Willie Mays.
