Seattle Mariners Set to Be in Center of Historic Day at Wrigley Field For Chicago Cubs
In this story:
When the Seattle Mariners open up a three-game series with the Chicago Cubs on Friday morning at Wrigley Field, they'll apparently be stepping into a raucous situation, as Sammy Sosa will make his first return to Wrigley in 21 years.
Bob Nightengale of USA Today had the information on social media.
Sammy Sosa, who hasn’t been to Wrigley Field since he left the Cubs 21 years ago, is expected to return today after arriving in Chicago last night
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) June 20, 2025
The Cubs have apparently not welcomed Sosa back given his connection to the steroid-era in baseball, but Sosa apologized to the organization this past offseason, opening the door to a reunion.
One of the best sluggers in baseball history, Sosa spent 18 years in the majors with the Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Texas Rangers and Baltimore Orioles. He was a seven-time All-Star, a six-time Silver Slugger, an MVP and a winner of the league's Roberto Clemente Award. He hit 609 career home runs and drove in 1,667, but his career is tainted by his connection to the steroid-era. He has never admitted to using steroids, however, but his use has been widely speculated upon.
His return should elicit quite a fan reaction and make an already-tough situation even harder for the Mariners.
Seattle enters play at 37-36 and 5.5 games back in the American League West, while the Cubs are one of the best teams in the league at 45-29.
The Mariners will send right-hander George Kirby to the mound against left-hander Matthew Boyd.
Kirby is 1-3 with a 5.96 ERA since returning from the injured list on May 22. Boyd, a Washington native who pitched for the Mariners in 2022, is now 6-3 with a 2.79.
Related Stories on Seattle Mariners
NEW PODCAST IS OUT: Brady is back on a Friday, talking about his newfound anger at the M's for not going after Rafael Devers in a trade, and he wonders if the M's could trade Dominic Canzone soon. Furthermore, we discuss Julio Rodriguez's approach at the plate, and we talk with Hunt Palmer, LSU baseball insider, about possible M's draftee Kade Anderson. LISTEN HERE:
THE NEW FACE: According to veteran radio host Dave "Softy" Mahler, Cal Raleigh is the face of Seattle Sports. Do you agree? CLICK HERE:
CATCHING ATTENTION: Cal Raleigh is even drawing the attention of his former teammates for what he's doing this season. Recently, Mariners on SI had a chance to catch up with former M's infielder Jose Caballero. CLICK HERE:
Follow Seattle Mariners on SI on social media
Continue to follow our Inside the Mariners coverage on social media by liking us on Facebook and by following Teren Kowatsch and Brady Farkas on "X" @Teren_Kowatsch and @RefuseToLosePod. You can subscribe to the "Refuse to Lose" podcast by clicking HERE.
