Sammy Sosa headed up the steps and onto the stage, clutching a small American flag in his right hand. The former Cubs icon beamed as he jogged across the platform, reaching down to high-five some fans as he soaked in the cheers and familiar chants of his name.

After over two decades away from the franchise, Sammy Sosa was finally welcomed back at Cubs Convention last night.

The “Sammy! Sammy!” chants started as soon as Chicago Cubs Chairman Tom Ricketts teased the slugger’s return on the main stage Friday night at the Cubs Convention. As Ricketts introduced Sammy Sosa to the capacity crowd in the main ballroom at the Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk,

Former Cubs star Sammy Sosa was elected to the team's Hall of Fame along with former first baseman Derrek Lee.

Sammy Sosa jogged onto the stage, carrying an American flag. It was just like old times — only Sosa was dressed in a suit, and the scene occurred in a downtown hotel ballroom instead of Wrigley Field.

When Sosa was asked specifically about apologizing for PEDs, he said, “No.” He said he was apologizing to the fans.

REGISTER HERECHICAGO – Chicago Cubs Executive Chairman Tom Ricketts announced at tonight’s Cubs Convention Opening Ceremony that former Cubs first baseman Derre

The Chicago Cubs opened the door for one of their greatest stars to return to the franchise in 2024. In 2025, they'll honor him like the legend he is.

Former Cubs slugger Sammy Sosa is introduced as he returns to Chicago at the opening ceremony of the Cubs Convention at the Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk on Jan. 17, 2025. The convention continues through Sunday. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)

Sammy Sosa commented Friday on his induction into the Chicago Cubs Hall of Fame, more than 20 years after last playing for the team. According to ESPN's

The “Sammy! Sammy!” chants started as soon as Chicago Cubs Chairman Tom Ricketts teased the slugger’s return on the main stage Friday night at the Cubs Convention. Sammy Sosa’s journey back to the organization that began with his apology last month for “mistakes” during his career saw him honored in front of hyped Cubs fans.