Growing up in the late 1990s and early 2000s, Dansby Swanson watched plenty of Cubs games and was in awe of what Sammy Sosa was accomplishing at the time.

He, like many other kids at that time, tried imitating the Cubs’ slugger.

“I think everybody kind of around that era and watching guys in that era would mimic the Sammy hop,” Swanson said on Friday night before the start of Cubs Convention. “It was pretty remarkable what he was able to do.”

Swanson — like many of the current Cubs — recalled watching Sosa, who captivated Cubs and all baseball fans in his time in Chicago, during Cubs Convention on Friday night at the Sheraton Grand Chicago.

Sosa and the Cubs repaired their strained relationship — he hadn’t been back with the team since his last season in 2004 — last month and the team invited him back to Cubs Convention. On Friday night, Cubs chairman Tom Ricketts announced Sosa, and first baseman Derrek Lee, would be entering the Cubs Hall of Fame.

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“I got to play with Sammy [Sosa] for one year,” Lee said in an interview with Elise Menaker and Jim Deshaies. “My best memory of Sammy was in 1998. I came here as a rookie and it was June of 1998. He hit 20 home runs in that month, and I think he had 5 in the series we played him.

“I’d never seen balls go out of the park like that. Sammy was the star of stars and the fans loved him so it was pretty cool.”

Swanson watched Sosa on TV while growing up in Georgia, but some others were able to see him firsthand — like Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer.

“I just remember going to a game, and it was August of ‘98 against the Astros, and being in the bleachers, and I just remember watching him run out on the field, and it’s a unique experience,” Hoyer said. “I haven’t seen anything like that before or since, in terms of excitement about one player coming out on the field.

“He captivated this market for a long time and there hasn’t been a star like him since then with the Cubs, and really, maybe even in Chicago since then. So pretty special. And I’m glad he’s back.”

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Sosa’s return marked the first time that Hoyer was able to meet the Cubs legend.

“I’ve been here for 14 years, I met him for the first time [Thursday] night at dinner,” Hoyer said. “It was fun to meet him and talk to him.”

His impact on the club and baseball isn’t overlooked — even amongst his opponents, like Cubs manager Craig Counsell.

“I think Sammy was a part of some magical summers here, some important summers here,” Counsell said. “He entertained people like one of very few that ever did in a Chicago Cubs uniform. So, it’s good that he’s back. It’s great that he’s here and I look forward to seeing him.”

And Sosa’s just as excited to be back — and return to Wrigley Field.

“I cannot wait to be there,” Sosa said. “It’s gonna be incredible.”