"Reconciliation between Cubs and Sammy Sosa following apology from former home run hitter"

The Chicago Cubs on Thursday extended an invitation to Sammy Sosa for the team's offseason convention, indicating that the organization has reconciled with the former star player.

During his 13-year tenure with the Cubs, Sosa was adored by fans, but has since distanced himself from the team since his departure in 2004.

Allegations of steroid use, including a reported positive test in 2003, damaged Sosa's reputation within the organization. Current owner Tom Ricketts stated that the Cubs would not welcome Sosa back until he apologized for his alleged misconduct.

On Thursday, Sosa issued an apology, although he did not directly address the steroid allegations. The seven-time All-Star expressed remorse for his "mistakes" and expressed a desire to reconcile with the Cubs and their fans.

In a letter to the organization, the 56-year-old Sosa wrote, "I gave my all for the Cubs and their fans because I wanted to win and make them happy... There were times when I did whatever it took to recover from injuries in order to maintain my strength and perform over 162 games. I never broke any laws, but looking back, I made mistakes and I apologize."

Minutes later, Ricketts responded by inviting Sosa to the team's annual convention, which will take place in Chicago from January 17-19.

"We appreciate Sammy's statement and reaching out to us. No one played with more passion or a stronger desire to win. Nobody is perfect, but we never doubted his love for the game and the Cubs," Ricketts stated.

"It's an understatement to say that Sammy is a fan favorite. We plan on inviting him to the 2025 Cubs Convention and, although it's short notice, we hope he can attend. We are all ready to move forward together."

Sosa has not confirmed whether he will attend the convention, but his letter suggests that a reunion is likely.

"We can't change the past, but the future looks bright," Sosa wrote. "In my heart, I have always been a Cub and I can't wait to see Cubs fans again."

During his time with the Cubs, Sosa earned seven All-Star selections and six National League Silver Slugger awards. He also won the 1998 NL MVP after engaging in a record-breaking home run race with St. Louis' Mark McGwire that summer.

Sosa's 545 home runs with the Cubs still stand as a franchise record. He played two more seasons after leaving Chicago before retiring in 2007 with 609 career home runs, currently the ninth-most in MLB history.