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.