This Sammy Sosa Cubs reunion has been 20 years in the making

For the first time in over 20 years, Chicago Cubs legend Sammy Sosa is set to return to Wrigley Field. Sosa's imminent return to The Friendly Confines this season was expected after he mended fences with the organization during the offseason. After Sosa issued a public apology last December, he was immediately welcomed back in good graces by the Cubs.

Sosa's first public reconciliation with the Cubs, aside from the apology, occurred at the Cubs Convention in January. Sosa was reintroduced by the team as part of their opening ceremonies for the convention, and as part of his return, the legendary outfielder was inducted into the Cubs Hall of Fame.

After the Cubs Convention, Sosa was an honorary coach for the team during spring training. It was another sign that Sosa truly was back with the Cubs, and if anything, set the stage for his eventual return to Wrigley Field. That return is expected to take place on Friday when the Cubs host the Seattle Mariners. Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports that Sosa flew into Chicago on Thursday night and will be at the game today.

Sammy Sosa’s long-awaited Wrigley return has fans buzzing with emotion

There is no doubt that there is a segment of Cubs fans who can't fully put Sosa's exit from the team behind them. During the final weekend of the Cubs' disappointing 2004 season, Sosa didn't play in the final game of the season at Wrigley Field. Sosa insisted he had permission from then-manager Dusty Baker to sit the game out; however, he left before the game concluded. It was Baker's belief that Sosa would have remained on the bench for the duration of the game and supported his teammates. It was an awkward ending, to say the least, and that offseason, the Cubs traded Sosa to the Baltimore Orioles.

Above all else, that seemingly was the apology that Ricketts was seeking before last offseason. Certainly, because of other accusations, Sosa has become a polarizing figure for Cubs fans and Major League Baseball. However, the fact remains that he very much is the reason why fans remained in attendance while the Cubs were lifeless.

When Sosa steps onto Wrigley Field for the first time in over 20 years on Friday, it will be a long-overdue moment.

More Cubs News from Cubbies Crib