Sammy Sosa, the Chicago Cubs legend and prolific home run hitter, issued a statement Thursday acknowledging the use of performance-enhancing drugs during his Major League Baseball career, The Associated Press reports.
In a statement released through Aurora Global Consulting, Sosa expressed remorse for his actions, paving the way for a reconciliation with the Cubs organization.
“There were times I did whatever I could to recover from injuries in an effort to keep my strength up to perform over 162 games,” Sosa said. “I never broke any laws. But in hindsight, I made mistakes and I apologize.”
The Cubs immediately responded positively to Sosa’s statement. Team chairman Tom Ricketts announced that the team is “ready to move forward together” with Sosa and plans to invite him to the annual Cubs Convention, scheduled for January 17-19 in Chicago.
“We appreciate Sammy releasing his statement and for reaching out,” Ricketts said. “No one played harder or wanted to win more. Nobody’s perfect but we never doubted his passion for the game and the Cubs. It is an understatement to say that Sammy is a fan favorite.”
Sosa’s career, marked by 609 home runs (currently ninth all-time) and seven All-Star appearances, was significantly impacted by allegations of PED use. He fell short of Hall of Fame induction in 2022, receiving only 18.5% of the vote in his final year of eligibility on the Baseball Writers’ Association of America ballot – far short of the required 75%. His prior denial of PED use during 2005 congressional testimony further complicated his legacy.
Despite his late arrival and early departure from the 2004 season finale at Wrigley Field, which ultimately led to his trade to the Baltimore Orioles, Sosa remains the Cubs’ all-time home run leader with 545. The 56-year-old Sosa played 18 seasons in Major League Baseball with the Texas Rangers, Chicago White Sox, Cubs, and Orioles, accumulating a .273 batting average, 1,667 RBIs, and 234 stolen bases.
