You’d have to be a cynic of the highest order to suspect that the Cubs welcomed Sammy Sosa back for selfish, calculated reasons.

Sammy Sosa was back and in fine spirits at the Cubs Convention. So what’s next for the former Cubs slugger and his old team?

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

Sammy Sosa and former first baseman Derrek Lee will be inducted into the Chicago Cubs' Hall of Fame, the team announced one month after Sosa apologized for 'mistakes' he made during his MLB career.

When Sammy Sosa finally took the stage at the Cubs Convention after a 21-year absence, he carried an American flag, re-creating the memorable moment when he first took the field following the 9/11

Former right fielder Sammy Sosa will be inducted into the Cubs Hall of Fame this year, alongside former first baseman Derrek Lee, the team announced at the annual Cubs Convention on Friday.

Chicago Cubs Executive Chairman Tom Ricketts announced at tonight’s Cubs Convention Opening Ceremony that former Cubs first baseman Derrek Lee and outfielder Sammy Sosa will be inducted into the Cubs Hall of Fame this year.

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.

A “very special” edition of the Cubs Convention kicked off Friday with the return of Sammy Sosa from Cubbie exile after 20 years, the introduction of new star Kyle Tucker and powder blue alternate jerseys and the same old hopes and dreams of the last 39 years.

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 sprinting into the field with the American flag in hand. The post Sammy Sosa’s Iconic 9/11 Tribute Revisited as He Reunites With Cubs for Hall of Fame Induction appeared first on EssentiallySports.