Two decades later, Sammy Sosa returns to Cubs spring training as a guest instructor

New York Times

27-02-2025

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Following a two-decade absence, Sammy Sosa is finally once again a visible and vocal member of Chicago Cubs spring training.
After apologizing late last year — for what exactly wasn't clear — and reconciling with the organization, Sosa's initial return came at Cubs Convention in January. His appearance at spring training is 21 years in the making.
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'We're glad he's here and hope he enjoys it,' manager Craig Counsell said. '(I'm) just asking our players to just have conversations. You gain from the experience. Sammy spent a lot of time in the box. That knowledge and experience from the batter's box, there's a lot to offer.'
His arrival was slightly delayed, but Sosa arrived in Mesa just in time to catch Tuesday's Cactus League contest at Sloan Park. He was at camp early Wednesday, and after meeting with the media, donning Cubs gear and looking like he fit right in with the coaches, Sosa chatted up staff members and players behind the cage, doling out advice to all who would listen.
Sammy Sosa is back in the @Cubs dugout 💪 pic.twitter.com/y5Pg7DE2Ys
— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) February 25, 2025
'I'm a good communicator,' Sosa said. 'When you have that and don't have ego, people pretty much listen to you. The numbers don't lie, anyway. Everything that I say to them, they're going to take it because it's coming from me. I worked hard every day. I never cheated myself. I went to the cage every day and made sure I was ready before the game. When you do that, you have a plan when you go to the plate. And they want to hear that from me.'
Sosa's career with the Cubs ended unceremoniously after the 2004 season and he was traded to Baltimore that winter. The end of his time in the big leagues was shrouded in controversy as he was one of multiple players from that era accused of taking PEDs. But fans of that era have largely moved past such things and have chosen to focus on the joy Sosa brought during that time.
Whatever one may think of them, the numbers he put up were eye-popping. Sosa hit over 60 home runs in a season three times, and from 1998 to 2002, he slugged 292 homers and delivered a 1.092 OPS. The home run chase of 1998 was one of the more memorable spectacles in baseball memory and Sosa was a must-see attraction during a time when the Cubs were rarely competing for the postseason.
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'He has a presence and aura about him that breeds confidence,' hitting coach Dustin Kelly said. 'That's what some of our guys have already taken away, how confident he is at the plate and the mentality and what he was thinking up there.'
During Tuesday's game, cameras caught Sosa chatting with various players, including young prospect Kevin Alcántara and offseason acquisition Vidal Bruján. Sosa had noticed Bruján was lunging in the box and gave him some advice to stay on his back leg and not to jump at the ball. Sure enough, Bruján slugged a home run in his next at-bat, adding a nice Sammy-hop to make for a perfect moment for Sosa's much-anticipated return to Mesa.
'I hope it's that easy,' Counsell said with a laugh Wednesday morning about Bruján's homer.
Vidal has left the yard ladies and gentlemen. pic.twitter.com/H4VcpKM2uw
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) February 25, 2025
Alcántara is one of Chicago's top prospects and has put together an impressive spring early on.
'Stay hungry,' Alcántara said when asked what advice Sosa had provided. 'Play each game like it's your last.'
Sosa isn't quite a hitting coach, but like other great former Cubs, he's a welcome addition to camp. Hall of Famers such as Ryne Sandberg, Fergie Jenkins and Billy Williams are regulars. Cubs legend Rick Sutcliffe is often around the team, and Mark Grace and Shawon Dunston make appearances, as well. But for Sosa, it's been a long time coming.
When Sosa was last at Cubs spring training, he was a player working out at their old facilities at Hohokam Stadium. A decade later, the Cubs got a much-needed upgrade and moved to a different part of Mesa.
'This looks like Disney World,' Sosa said. 'It's incredible, beautiful. We didn't have that when we played.'
A lot has changed since Sosa's time with the team, but his return means a lot to many fans and players. But most of all, it seems to be something Sosa has wanted, as it's clear he relishes the opportunity to once again be associated with the organization with which he became a superstar.
'All the players are happy for me to be here,' Sosa said. 'I have a lot to contribute here. I'm enjoying it right now.'