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

Cubs legend Sammy Sosa hadn’t specified which “mistakes” he was apologizing for in the statement he issued last month, the one that paved the way for reconciliation between the former face of the franchise and team ownership. When asked Friday if he was referring to the use of performance-enhancing drugs, he said “No, no.”

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.

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

CHICAGO — It has been 20 years since Sammy Sosa was celebrated and revered by the Chicago Cubs and the club's zealous legion of fans. It has been 20 years since the Cubs booted Sosa out of the ...

It has been nearly 21 years since Sammy Sosa was with the Cubs. He was a beloved hero during his power-hitting days, only to unceremoniously depart and be treated as a pariah. But Friday evening ...

When Sosa was introduced on stage as the newest member of the Cubs’ Hall of Fame, the fans rose from their seats, screaming his name. He ran across the stage, and danced to the song, “Let Me Clear My Throat,’’ waving a small American flag, throwing his arms up in the air, and cupping his ears.

The clamoring for his return by Cubs’ fans became greater and greater over the years but Cubs chairman Tom Ricketts made it clear: Sosa would never be invited back until he apologized for using steroids. Yes, even if it means committing perjury since he denied use in front of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.

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.

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 20 years of absence from the Chicago Cubs organization after serving as the franchise icon for the previous decade, former North Side slugger Sammy Sosa was welcomed back by fans at this year's Cubs Convention.