After years of absence from the team due to PED suspicions, the Cubs have inducted Sammy Sosa into their Hall of Fame.
Since 2004, Sosa had not been affiliated with the Cubs in any official capacity.
Derek Lee and Sammy Sosa are being inducted into the Chicago Cubs Hall of Fame.
In December, Sosa's statement marked the first step towards reconciling with the Cubs.
Sosa admitted to making mistakes in his efforts to recover from injuries and perform in over 162 games, but he never broke any laws. He apologized for his actions through Aurora Global Consulting.
The Cubs are prepared to proceed together, and Sosa has been invited to the Cubs' annual fan convention.
Since his departure from the Cubs in 2004, Sosa had not been involved with the team in any official capacity until he attended the convention.
Sosa stated that his December apology was not regarding the use of performance-enhancing drugs.
"I apologize to my fans who have loved me for 21 years, as they have seen me play for many years."
At the convention, Sosa was greeted with a massive applause and he proudly displayed an American Flag as he entered the stage.
"Sosa stated via ESPN that people grow up, just like him. He believed it was the right time to share this statement. The immediate response was amazing. Now, he must continue to contribute to the organization."
"I think that today was a perfect day."
The Cubs franchise record-holder for home runs, Sosa played 13 seasons with the team.
In 18 seasons from 1989 to 2007, Sosa had a .273 batting average, 609 homers, 1,667 RBIs, and 234 stolen bases, finishing ninth on the career list for homers.
Despite doubts about his performance-enhancing drug use, Sosa did not get into the Hall of Fame due to the Baseball Writers’ Association of America's ballot.
Sosa's chance for Hall of Fame consideration will depend on his inclusion in the contemporary player committee ballot.
This summer, Sosa and Lee will be inducted into the team's Hall of Fame during a game.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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