Introduction to Anthony Rizzo’s Career
ATLANTA – Former Cubs great Anthony Rizzo is retiring from playing and re-joining the organization as an ambassador, the Cubs announced Wednesday.
The Cubs plan to celebrate Rizzo’s decorated career as a Cub on Saturday, when the Cubs face the Rays at Wrigley Field.
Time with the Cubs
Rizzo spent 10 out of his 14 major-league seasons with the Cubs. A core member of the 2016 World Series team, Rizzo earned three All-Star nods, four gold gloves, a platinum glove and silver slugger award in his time in Chicago.
The Cubs didn’t have a captain, but Rizzo became the unofficial owner of that title as he helped lead the Cubs to five playoff appearances, three trips to the National League Championship Series, and of course a World Series title, all in the span of six years.
Humanitarian Work
He also earned the Roberto Clemente Award, MLB’s top humanitarian honor, in 2017 for his work supporting children battling cancer and their families through the Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation. Rizzo himself is a cancer survivor.
Early Career and Trades
Rizzo began his professional career in the Red Sox organization, under future Cubs executives Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer.
After Hoyer became the general manager of the Padres, he traded for Rizzo in December of 2010. Rizzo debuted the following season. And when Epstein and Hoyer reunited in Chicago, they again acquired Rizzo as a key piece in their plan for a new era of Cubs baseball.
That era ended with a trade deadline teardown in 2021, a defining moment early in Hoyer’s tenure as president of baseball operations, after Epstein stepped down in November 2020.
Rizzo was the first core domino to fall that July, traded to the Yankees for two prospects, including towering outfielder Kevin Alcántara.
“It was obviously very emotional,” Rizzo said that day. “Still a rollercoaster. … This city will be engrained right in my heart for the rest of my life.”
Later Career and Retirement
Rizzo spent three and a half seasons with the Yankees before they declined his $17 million club option for 2025, making him a free agent. No team signed him this season.
Rizzo retires with a career .261 batting average and .828 OPS. He amassed 303 home runs and played in 1,727 regular-season games.
Rizzo’s 109 home runs at Wrigley Field as a Cub stand as the second-most by a left-handed hitter, behind only Billy Williams (231). On a related note, Rizzo holds the record for most home runs off the right-field video board at the Friendly Confines, with four since its debut in 2015.
In 59 postseason appearances, he added nine more home runs to his overall total, with 47 postseason hits in all.
Conclusion
Anthony Rizzo’s decision to retire from playing and re-join the Cubs organization as an ambassador marks the end of an era for the talented first baseman. His legacy with the Cubs, including his role in the 2016 World Series team and his numerous awards, will be celebrated by the team and its fans. Rizzo’s commitment to giving back to the community through his foundation has also left a lasting impact.
FAQs
Q: What team did Anthony Rizzo play for most of his career?
A: Rizzo spent 10 out of his 14 major-league seasons with the Cubs.
Q: What awards did Rizzo win during his time with the Cubs?
A: Rizzo earned three All-Star nods, four gold gloves, a platinum glove, and a silver slugger award.
Q: What is the Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation?
A: The foundation supports children battling cancer and their families.
Q: How many home runs did Rizzo hit at Wrigley Field as a Cub?
A: Rizzo hit 109 home runs at Wrigley Field as a Cub, the second-most by a left-handed hitter.
