(670 The Score) Legendary slugger Sammy Sosa and first baseman Derrek Lee have been named to the Cubs Hall of Fame, the team announced Friday evening.
The news came on the same day that Sosa’s presence headlined the start of the annual Cubs Convention, officially marking the end of what had been a long-strained relationship between Sosa and the franchise until Sosa issued an apology in December for his past “mistakes.” That mea culpa – which was a bit vague but did make an indirect reference to steroids – had long been what Cubs chairman Tom Ricketts sought before welcoming Sosa back into the good graces of the organization.
"Sammy Sosa was not only one of the greatest home run hitters of all time, but he was a favorite of right field bleacher fans by showing, sprinting out to right field to start each game,” Ricketts said in a statement. “His defensive play was All-Star-caliber in addition to his impressive all-time slugging stats. We are privileged to have him back at the Cubs Convention so that we can celebrate with him.”
“It’s overwhelming to receive this news,” Sosa said in a statement. “I feel I owe so much to the Ricketts family and the Cubs organization but also to the fans. It’s so fun to be back here in Chicago and see the fans who have meant so much to me over the years. I’m honored to be in the Cubs Hall of Fame, and I look forward to returning this summer for the ceremony.”
Sosa was a seven-time All-Star for the Cubs and won the National League MVP award with them in 1998. He hit a franchise record 545 home runs in his Cubs career, which lasted from 1992-2004. That included his majestic 1998 season, when he hit 66 homers while Cardinals slugger Mark McGwire set a then-record with 70 homers. That home run race captivated the entire country and helped restore baseball’s popularity after an ugly work stoppage in 1994 stained the game.
Sosa’s tie to steroid use came when the New York Times reported in 2009 that he was among the MLB players who had tested positive for PEDs back in 2003. Sosa appeared before Congress in 2005 and stated under oath that he never used steroids.
"I never tested positive," Sosa said on 670 The Score in 2020.
On Dec. 19, Sosa released an apology note.
“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 in the note. "I never broke any laws, but in hindsight I made mistakes and I apologize.”
Lee played seven seasons with the Cubs from 2004-’10, hitting .298 with 179 homers in that span. He was a two-time All-Star, earning the honor in 2005 and 2007, as well as a three-time Gold Glove winner.
“My seven years with the Cubs meant so much to my family and me, both as a person and a player,” Lee said in a statement. “To be included with so many greats in the Cubs Hall of Fame is humbling, something I never dreamed of. Cubs fans are the best in baseball. You guys unconditionally cheered us on and supported us through the tough times. I will forever be grateful to the Cubs fans as well as the entire Cubs organization and the Ricketts family for this honor. I would also like to thank my teammates, coaches and support staff without whom this recognition would not be possible. Wrigley Field is such a special place, and I cannot wait to return this summer.”
The 2025 Cubs Hall of Fame induction ceremony will take place at Wrigley Field at a date to be announced later.