Sammy Sosa returns to Wrigley Field after 21 years of absence

Chicago.– The historic home of the Chicago Cubs, Wrigley Field, will once again welcome this Friday the emblematic Dominican ex-outfielder Sammy Sosa, who returns for the first time since his abrupt and controversial departure at the end of the 2004 season.

You may be interested in: Dennis Santana, Pirates reliever, stars in altercation with fan in Detroit

After a reconciliation process initiated last January at the Cubs Convention, in which Sosa offered an apology to the fans for his prolonged absence —although without explicitly referring to the accusations of using performance-enhancing substances—, both parties have agreed to reintegrate the player into the Cubs family.

“I am very excited to step on this ground again that gave me so much”, Sosa declared in the press conference prior to his visit. “My intention is to thank the fans who always supported me and celebrate together the great moments we experienced here”.

Return Details

• Date and time: Friday, June 20, 2025, 6:00 PM
• Main event: Presentation of Sammy Sosa in a special suite at Wrigley Field and screening of a video with his best moments as a Cubs legend.
• Additional activities:
  • Autograph signing session for attendees.
  • Guided tour of the stadium accompanied by members of the coaching staff.
  • Official recognition by the organization of Sosa as the all-time home run leader in Cubs history (545 home runs).

Career and achievements

• Debut with the Cubs: 1992 season, after being traded by the White Sox
• All-Star Game Selections: 7 (1995–1998, 2000–2002)
• Historic 1998 Season: .308 average, 66 home runs and 158 RBIs, alongside Mark McGwire
• Record with Chicago: 545 home runs out of 609 in his career
• Current Collaboration: Guest instructor in spring training (Mesa, Arizona)
• Upcoming recognition: Induction into the Cubs Hall of Fame, to be held at the end of 2025

Background of the 2004 release

On the last day of the 2004 campaign, Sosa left the game in the first inning after informing manager Dusty Baker, through an intermediary, that he would not participate. The controversy arising from that decision led to his transfer to Baltimore and a break with the franchise that lasted for two decades.

Organization Statements

Tom Ricketts, president of the Chicago Cubs, commented: “This return marks a new beginning. We recognize Sammy's historical contributions and hope the fans enjoy his visit and the memories we share.”