Sammy Sosa wants to throw out a first pitch if Cubs make World Series
Winning heals all wounds. That line of thinking might be put to the test soon. If the Chicago Cubs make it to the World Series, former slugger Sammy Sosa would love to throw out a first pitch prior to one of the games.
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Since he was traded from the club after the 2004 season, Sosa’s relationship with the franchise has been complicated. There has been talk of a possible reunion on both sides, but some believe the Cubs want Sosa to apologize for his behavior the last few years he was with the team.
Now that hope is at an all time high for the team, there’s been some talk about Sosa making his return. Chicago Tribune writer Paul Sullivan asked Cubs hitting consultant Manny Ramirez about whether Sosa should come back, and Ramirez suggested it would be great if Sosa threw out the first pitch if the Cubs made the World Series.
Sullivan reached out to Sosa, and the former outfielder responded through a spokesperson.
“I want to thank Manny for thinking of me and I would be honored in throwing out the first pitch at Wrigley for a Cubs World Series,” he wrote. “I want to send my best wishes to Manager Joe Madden (sic), the coaches and all the players on their win (Tuesday) night! I am very excited for the current team members to experience this journey!
“I remember how exciting it was for the 2003 team. Now it’s YOUR TURN and you are making us all proud. This is YOUR TIME. Enjoy it and take us all the way to the World Series. GO CUBS.”
Points to Sosa for getting behind the team even though his relationship with the franchise is strained. Negative points for spelling Joe Maddon’s name wrong, though. C’mon, Sammy!
For what it’s worth, a number of former and current Cubs players would love to have Sosa back. Sullivan talked to both Kerry Wood and Anthony Rizzo, and both seemed to suggest he would be welcomed back fondly.
Honestly, the whole feud is pretty dumb. Sosa is being punished for things he did over 10 years ago now. The Cubs have welcomed back so many other players, and have given recognition to guys in recent years, and it’s always been strange that Sosa hasn’t been a part of that. His legacy with the Cubs is undeniable, and it’s a shame he doesn’t pop up when the team is involved in a big moment.
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This is a huge opportunity to change that. The fans are well aware of the issues surrounding Sosa’s return, but we imagine Wrigley Field would go crazy if he came out to throw the first pitch at a World Series game. It would be a sign that the two sides finally reconciled, and the fans would absolutely eat that up.
The Cubs still have some work to do in order for this to happen, of course. But, boy, it would really be something if Sosa came back as the Cubs returned to the World Series. Make it happen!
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Chris Cwik is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Chris_Cwik
