Sammy Sosa looks his old self in two-decade return to Wrigley Field
Share this @internewscast.com

At long last, Sammy Sosa is back at Wrigley Field.

The renowned slugger and Cubs icon made his return to Wrigley Field for the first time in 21 years this past Friday, once again resembling his appearance from his active playing days.

Sosa’s skin was visibly darker again, after it had become increasingly lighter in the years following the end of his MLB career in 2007. 

In 2009, Sosa told Univision that the lightening of his complexion was due to a cosmetic facial cream he used to soften his skin. 

Cubs fans warmly embraced the former MVP upon his return, offering a standing ovation after a tribute video in his honor was displayed on the scoreboard ahead of the third inning during Friday’s match against the Mariners.

As a camera panned to Sosa in the stands, the seven-time All-Star did his iconic home run celebration as the crowd roared. 

Sosa played 13 seasons with the Cubs, hitting 545 home runs over that stretch. 

He’s most famous for blasting a ridiculous 66 homers in 1998, falling just short of Mark McGwire’s 70 bombs that were then a single-season record.

But Sosa had a tension-filled exit from Chicago, which led to his two-decade absence from Wrigley Field and the Cubs organization. 

During the 2004 season’s final game, which marked the end of his tenure in Chicago, Sosa arrived only 70 minutes before the game began and departed shortly after it started, which led to a fine from the Cubs.

One Cubs player, whose identity still remains unknown, smashed Sosa’s boom box in the clubhouse after that game, enraged by the slugger’s actions.

Tensions between the Cubs and Sosa also stemmed from Sosa’s alleged use of steroids throughout his career. 

The Cubs never retired Sosa’s No. 21 nor invited him back for any team festivities, with a team spokesperson telling ESPN in 2014 that Sosa needed to “make amends” with the organization. 

Sosa did that by releasing a statement in 2024 apologizing for “mistakes,” and he was accordingly welcomed back into the organization’s good graces. 

He was invited to the Cubs Convention fan event over the winter and is set to be inducted into the Cubs Hall of Fame this summer. 

And now, he’s made his long-awaited return to Wrigleyville.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Largest teachers union teams up with ‘60s radical professor’s namesake org peddling anti-American curriculum

Controversy Erupts as Largest Teachers Union Partners with Controversial ’60s Radical Group on New Curriculum Initiative

This article is part of Fox News Digital’s investigative series, Campus Radicals.…
Suspect Keon King charged with murder in death of Philadelphia woman Kada Scott; new details revealed

Philadelphia Tragedy: Keon King Faces Murder Charges in Kada Scott’s Death – Latest Updates Unveiled

PHILADELPHIA — Keon King, the man initially arrested in connection with the…
Murder suspect arrested over 40 times before allegedly killing hotel guest

Shocking Pattern: Serial Offender with 40+ Arrests Charged in Hotel Guest Murder

In a startling case from North Carolina, a man with a lengthy…
Illegal immigrant trucker accused in fatal California crash released by Biden admin after 2022 border crossing

Immigrant Trucker Involved in Fatal California Accident Released by Biden Administration Following 2022 Border Entry

A 21-year-old man from India, who entered the U.S. illegally in 2022…
Man linked to Hamas attack on Israel indicted in Louisiana for conspiring to support terrorist group

Louisiana Man Charged with Conspiracy in Connection to Hamas Attack on Israel

A Louisiana resident has been formally charged in connection with the October…
FBI releases new surveillance video of suspect who placed pipe bombs near DNC, RNC offices in DC

FBI Unveils New Footage of Suspect Linked to Pipe Bombs Near DNC and RNC Offices

In a renewed effort to solve one of the lingering mysteries from…
Miami Heat's Terry Rozier, Portland coach Chauncey Billups arrested in FBI probe

FBI Investigation Leads to Arrests of Miami Heat’s Terry Rozier and Portland Coach Chauncey Billups

Charges against Rozier and Billups are tied to two significant cases: one…
Broadway musicians reach tentative labor deal, averting a strike

Broadway Musicians Secure Tentative Labor Agreement, Preventing Potential Strike

NEW YORK (AP) — In a significant move to keep the show…
Fernandina Beach family pushes for intersection safety after multiple crashes

Fernandina Beach Residents Demand Urgent Intersection Safety Measures Following Frequent Accidents

A family in Fernandina Beach is calling for crucial safety enhancements at…
Luigi Mangione joked about paying for prostitutes with Pokémon cards during Asia trip: report

Report: Luigi Mangione Allegedly Jokes About Using Pokémon Cards for Payment During Asia Visit

Luigi Mangione, the alleged assassin, humorously recounted using valuable “Pokémon” cards to…
Virginia GOP candidate holds debate with AI bot of opponent

Virginia GOP Candidate Engages in Historic Debate Against AI-Generated Opponent in Political First

An unexpected twist emerged in the Virginia lieutenant governor’s race on Tuesday…
Kim Zolciak gushes over Kyle Mowitz romance for first time after ex Kroy Biermann's scathing warning

Kim Zolciak Opens Up About New Romance with Kyle Mowitz Amidst Tensions with Ex Kroy Biermann

Kim Zolciak made it official on Wednesday by sharing her budding romance…