On June 20, 2025, Sammy Sosa's return to Wrigley was overshadowed as Cal Raleigh's record homers led the Mariners to a power-fueled victory over the Cubs.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
For the first time in over two decades, Sammy Sosa was back at Wrigley Field, and the roar from the crowd felt like a time machine to the summer of '98. The prodigal son had returned. But on a day steeped in nostalgia for one slugger, another made history, as the Seattle Mariners' power display, led by a record-setting Cal Raleigh, served as a painful reminder that the games on the field wait for no one.
29 home runs. In just 73 games, Cal Raleigh broke a record held by the legendary Johnny Bench for most homers by a catcher before the All-Star break.
The biggest story at the Friendly Confines on Friday had nothing to do with the final score. It was the sight of number 21 himself, Sammy Sosa, stepping back onto the hallowed ground. The reception was electric, a wave of cheers washing away years of distance. For a generation of fans, Sosa was baseball, and his return, celebrated throughout the ballpark and on the broadcast, was a monumental moment of reconciliation and pure baseball joy.
The Cubs seemed poised to ride the day's good vibes, jumping out to a 3-1 first-inning lead thanks to Ian Happ's leadoff blast and a clutch two-run single from Michael Busch. Reese McGuire even added his first homer as a Cub in the fifth. But the lead wouldn't last. Seattle answered with overwhelming power, launching four home runs. Mitch Garver hit two, but it was Cal Raleigh's two historic shots that defined the game. After a solid five innings from Matthew Boyd, the bullpen couldn't hold on. Ryan Pressly surrendered the tying homer in the 6th, and Caleb Thielbar took the loss after giving up Raleigh's go-ahead blast in the 7th.
Amidst the bullpen collapse, Michael Busch was a major bright spot, continuing his fantastic season with three hits and two RBIs. He's become a consistent force in the middle of the order. Unfortunately, others couldn't match his production. After his historic 20-20 achievement a day earlier, Pete Crow-Armstrong had a rough night at the plate, a reminder of the daily grind of a long season. While the loss stings, Busch's performance is a crucial positive takeaway.
Let's take a deep breath. Yes, it's two straight losses, and watching four homers leave the yard is never fun. But the Cubs are still atop the NL Central. More importantly, the front office has options. As the trade deadline approaches, a bullpen that struggled today could be reinforced. The farm system remains one of baseball's best, even after the Kyle Tucker trade, boasting seven Top 100 prospects. Those are the pieces that can shore up weaknesses for a deep October run.
Friday at Wrigley was a whirlwind of emotions—the joy of seeing a legend return, the awe of witnessing history from an opponent, and the frustration of a winnable game slipping away. It was a memorable day, if not a successful one. Now, the challenge is simple: flush it, regroup, and come back tomorrow ready to protect that division lead. This team has the talent and the assets to make it happen.
