Cubs fans will go crazy over this rumored Sammy Sosa possibility

This weekend, Sammy Sosa joined Chicago Cubs immortality alongside Derrek Lee as the latest inductees into the organization's Hall of Fame. Donning the bright blue Hall of Fame jackets, the duo threw out first pitches ahead of Sunday's game at Wrigley Field.

The weekend's festivities brought closure to Sosa, the team and a fanbase that had desperately sought a reunion with the controversial former fan favorite who, until this year, hadn't set foot in the iconic ballpark in more than two decades. Now that he's back in the fold, though, anything is possible - including the possibility Sosa could throw out a first pitch or lead the seventh-inning stretch in October.

“Let’s see what the future brings,” Sosa said. “I think it’s going to bring great things. I don’t want to go ahead and say something that I’m not supposed to. But I believe that I’m here now, you know? I’m happy just to contribute.”

Even after Sunday's brutal late-inning meltdown that saw a multi-run lead quickly evaporate and closer Daniel Palencia leave with an ominous injury, the Cubs still hold a three-game edge over the San Diego Padres for top billing in the National League Wild Card race. Any hopes of catching the Milwaukee Brewers in the Central feel like a pipe dream with just weeks left in the regular season.

Assuming the Cubs can hold onto the top spot, they'd host a three-game series in the Wild Card round. As things currently stand, Chicago would host San Diego, with the winner of that matchup advancing to take on the Brewers, who currently hold the #1 overall seed in the National League.

Sammy Sosa could bring his energy and swagger to the postseason

There are a number of Cubs legends the team could turn to for a first pitch, but few that would generate the rabid excitement and energy of Sosa given his multi-decade banishment and his lack of involvement in the team's 2016 World Series run and the years that surrounded it.

Imagine it: a cool, crisp night at the Friendly Confines. It's standing room only and postseason baseball is back in Wrigleyville (with fans) since the ill-fated 2018 Wild Card Game against Colorado. Sosa comes out of the dugout in a 90s-era Cubs starter jacket and the fans erupt. He tosses out a ceremonial first pitch - and the crowd goes wild. It's a picturesque image, to say the least.

“I’m in the house now,” Sosa said, “so definitely I will be available for every opportunity.”