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

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.

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.

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 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

Sosa and the Chicago Cubs are back together after the slugger returned to the team’s annual fan convention on Friday. The Cubs also announced that Sosa will be inducted into the franchise’s Hall of Fame this year,

Sammy Sosa was welcomed back to the Cubs family Friday night at the Opening Ceremony of the Cubs Convention, and at the same time, Cubs Chairman Tom Ricketts announced that Sosa and Derrek Lee would be the newest inductees to the Cubs Hall of Fame,

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

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,