Sammy Sosa will go down in baseball history as one of the game’s most iconic figures from the late 1990s. After years have passed since he last stepped foot on the MLB grass, the former right fielder is hopeful of the steroids era coming back.
Sosa’s career has been overshadowed by the alleged use of performance-enhancing drugs. And he still admits what and how it went back in the day. The controversial era also casts a shadow on the recent struggles of numerous athletes in this realm seeking Hall of Fame recognition.
Despite this, Sosa expresses a hopeful outlook, suggesting that current and future baseball fans may eventually come to appreciate the accomplishments of former players. According to him, sooner or later, fans will acknowledge the achievements of players like him and Mark McGwire, who electrified the sport during their historic home run races.
“I believe in time. Nobody’s perfect. Time will heal all wounds. I really believe that one day the door will be open for us,” Sosa told USA Today in Arizona.
Sammy Sosa is back in the Cubs dugout for the first time in 21 years and is already giving advice to prospects pic.twitter.com/CK1bmpPrh3
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) February 25, 2025
However, his contemporary McGwire also recounted the old times and how the rules used to function back then. He did not see anything illegal about the whole thing. As there was no testing at that time, steroids were a widespread thing in the game, according to him.
“I read Mark’s interview, and I agree with what he said. There was no testing. There were no rules. We didn’t break any laws,” Sosa added.
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Also Read: Legendary Chicago Cubs Star Sammy Sosa Has Become Completely Unrecognizable Today
Sammy Sosa Sounds Hopeful Of Hall of Fame Door Opening One Day
Though whether or not the use of now banned drugs took over the league, Sammy Sosa has high hopes moving forward. His journey through the murky waters of baseball’s steroid saga has been a tumultuous one. Yet he remains optimistic regarding his place in the Hall of Fame.
Despite the skepticism from some baseball purists who view his accomplishments as tainted, Sosa maintains a hopeful outlook. In an interview with Bob Nightengale of USA Today, he expressed his belief that time has a way of healing wounds.
“People, they say you grow up. That’s what happened to me. I believe that me making the first step to get that statement out, I think it was the right time for me. And the response right away was incredible. Pretty much, that’s all I needed. And now the door is open,” Sosa said.
SAMMY SOSA RUNS OUT TO CUBS CON WAVING THE AMERICAN FLAG AFTER BEING INDUCTED INTO THE CUBS HALL OF FAME!
— Cubs Zone (@CubsZone) January 18, 2025
pic.twitter.com/oiTCd4Bh66
For 20 years, Sosa was effectively shunned from the Cubs’ Hall of Fame and team functions. It was a reflection of the fallout from his past use of performance-enhancing drugs. However, his heartfelt letter to fans and subsequent recognition by the team now hints at a fresh start.
The Cubs are now inducing him into the Cubs Hall of Fame alongside Derrek Lee. Sosa described his decision to reach out as “the right time” for change. Now, as Sosa returns to the Cubs as a guest instructor, he embodies the joy and passion that originally captivated baseball fans. In his words, he’s “a little boy again.”
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