Sammy Sosa’s tenure with the Cubs ended on a sour note, as the slugging right fielder left the final game of the 2004 season shortly after first pitch. The Cubs fined him and eventually dealt him to the Orioles in January 2005.
Sosa is one of the most decorated players in Cubs history, but he’s been estranged from the team since the incident. He attempted to clear the air on Saturday, telling Z101 Digital (translated from Spanish) then-manager Dusty Baker gave him permission to leave Oct. 3, 2004’s game against the Braves.
The incident occurred a day after a loss to Atlanta officially eliminated the Cubs from postseason contention.