CHICAGO — About a month after apologizing for errors he made throughout his enjoying profession, former Chicago Cubs star Sammy Sosa was elected to the group’s Hall of Fame together with former first baseman Derrek Lee.
Sosa, 56, referred to as it a “good storm” that introduced him again to the group after 20 years away.
“I’ve been out for 21 years,” he mentioned Friday night time on the Cubs’ annual fan conference. “I consider the time was proper. I’m wanting ahead to persevering with with the nice followers.”
Sosa performed 13 years for the Cubs, hitting 545 residence runs for them, together with 63 or extra in three separate seasons. But rumors of PED use adopted him throughout and after his profession. He appeared to reference them in an announcement final month. Previously, the group had intimated he wanted to apologize earlier than being welcomed again.
“There have been occasions I did no matter I might to get well from accidents in an effort to maintain my energy as much as carry out over 162 video games,” he mentioned in December. “I by no means broke any legal guidelines. But in hindsight, I made errors and I apologize.”
On Friday, Sosa apologized just for being away from the group for thus lengthy. He acquired an enormous ovation when he was introduced throughout opening ceremonies and ran onto the stage with an American Flag.
“People develop up,” he mentioned. “That’s what occurred to me. To give that assertion out, it was the best time for me. The response immediately was unimaginable. Now, the door is open, I’ve to proceed to contribute (to the group).”
Sosa and Lee shall be acknowledged at a sport this summer season. It’ll mark the primary time Sosa has been at Wrigley Field in an official capability since leaving after the 2004 season.
“The followers are supportive — 90 % [of them],” Sosa mentioned. “I’m comfortable to be again right here.”
