A “very special” edition of the Cubs Convention kicked off Friday with the return of Sammy Sosa from Cubbie exile after 20 years, the introduction of new star Kyle Tucker and powder blue alternate jerseys and the same old hopes and dreams of the last 39 years.

The clamoring for his return by Cubs’ fans became greater and greater over the years but Cubs chairman Tom Ricketts made it clear: Sosa would never be invited back until he apologized for using steroids. Yes, even if it means committing perjury since he denied use in front of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.

When Sosa was introduced on stage as the newest member of the Cubs’ Hall of Fame, the fans rose from their seats, screaming his name. He ran across the stage, and danced to the song, “Let Me Clear My Throat,’’ waving a small American flag, throwing his arms up in the air, and cupping his ears.

While the temperature outdoors in Chicago this weekend was cold, the 38th Annual Cubs Convention evoked memories of summer days at Wrigley Field in fans’ minds. For one primary reason, the yearly January meet-up of fans,

You’d have to be a cynic of the highest order to suspect that the Cubs welcomed Sammy Sosa back for selfish, calculated reasons.

* Over the weekend, the Chicago Cubs finally made up with Sammy Sosa and welcomed him back to their annual fan festival. There, Sosa was greeted as a hero, the prodigal slugger returning home to the franchise with which he was most closely associated. It’s time for the Red Sox to do the same with two of their former stars.

When Sammy Sosa apologized in a statement last month for making “mistakes” over the course of his baseball career, the question of exactly what those mistakes were was left hanging. After reuniting with the Chicago Cubs on Friday night at the Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk and being named to their Hall of Fame,

A “very special” edition of the Cubs Convention kicked off Friday with the return of Sammy Sosa from Cubbie exile after 20 years, the introduction of new star Kyle Tucker and powder blue alternate jerseys and the same old hopes and dreams of the last 39 years.

I’m sure Ricketts ... highlights and Sosa’s eye-popping stats. He’s only 22, but he’s a student of history, whether it’s hip-hop or a Sosa hop. “I know all about Sammy Sosa and what ...

Sammy Sosa said ... so that’s why they support me.” Calls from fans for the Cubs to welcome back Sosa grew in recent years. But chairman Tom Ricketts made it clear in 2018 what was needed ...

Sosa never admitted to using them but apologized for past mistakes. That apology was enough for the Ricketts Family ... never had hard feelings with Sammy. He’s a great guy.