Former Chicago Cubs, San Diego Padres and New York Yankees star Anthony Rizzo is returning to the Cubs. He will take up an ambassador role.
The Cubs (15.31) will also honour him with a retirement ceremony. This will take place at Wrigley Field before Saturday’s game against the Tampa Bay Rays.
Rizzo’s Legacy With the Cubs
Rizzo, now 36, spent 14 years in Major League Baseball. Ten of those came with the Cubs. During that time, he became a three-time All-Star and four-time Gold Glove winner.
His crowning achievement came in 2016. That year, he played a central role in helping the Cubs win their first World Series in 108 years. This historic success cemented his place in Chicago sporting folklore.
The first baseman later played three and a half seasons with the New York Yankees (4.88). He had joined them in 2021 following a mid-season trade. Nevertheless, he is most closely associated with his time in Chicago.
Praise From Cubs Leadership
Club executives have not hidden their admiration for Rizzo.
“Anthony Rizzo was the face of one of the most successful eras in Chicago Cubs history, and we are so excited he will be a part of our organisation for many years to come,” Cubs executive chairman Tom Ricketts said in a statement. “His play on the field spoke for itself and was recognised with multiple All-Star appearances, Gold Glove Awards, the Roberto Clemente Award and, ultimately, being a team leader on the 2016 World Series championship team.”
Such praise highlights the esteem in which he is held. The combination of talent, leadership, and resilience makes his story compelling.
Career Highlights and Statistics
Rizzo’s statistics tell a powerful story. He posted a career .828 OPS and hit 303 home runs. His very first home run came while playing for the San Diego Padres, having been traded there from the Boston Red Sox.
The Cubs acquired him in 2012. This was the moment when his career truly began to rise. By 2014, he had become the team’s regular first baseman. From 2015 to 2018, the Cubs made the postseason every year, with Rizzo as a key figure.
He was remarkably consistent. He earned MVP votes in five consecutive seasons and hit 30 or more home runs in four of them. For a left-handed hitter at Wrigley Field, that achievement was no easy task.
Memorable Postseason Performances
Rizzo was vital in the Cubs’ famous 2016 postseason run. Against the Cleveland Indians in the World Series, he batted .360 with a .484 on-base percentage. In the National League Championship Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, he hit .320.
Alongside Kris Bryant, he formed one of the most dangerous duos in baseball at the time. Their partnership in the heart of the lineup was decisive. Ultimately, they delivered Chicago’s first title in over a century.
Contributions Beyond the Field
Rizzo’s impact goes far beyond baseball. As a cancer survivor, he has long been committed to helping others with the disease. He founded the Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation to support children battling cancer.
His humanitarian work has been widely recognised. In 2017, he received the Roberto Clemente Award, the highest community service honour in the league. This underlined his commitment to making a difference away from the pitch.
Respect From Opponents and Peers
Cubs manager Craig Counsell never coached Rizzo. However, he competed against him for over six years as manager of the Milwaukee Brewers.
“It always felt like (Rizzo) was in the middle of everything,” Counsell said. “He was just a really good baseball player. … He was a great defender. How he handled bunts, he was always a very challenging player to deal with. How he ran the bases for someone who wasn’t that fast, he was just crafty.”
Such words from a rival underscore Rizzo’s influence. Even opponents recognised his intelligence and value to the team.
Joining Other Cubs Legends
As an ambassador, Rizzo now joins an elite group of former players. These include Andre Dawson, Ryan Dempster, Fergie Jenkins, Lee Smith, Billy Williams, Kerry Wood, and Ben Zobrist.
The presence of so many legends keeps the Cubs’ heritage alive. Each ambassador helps pass on stories and traditions to new generations of fans.
Second baseman Nico Hoerner summed up the excitement.
“I don’t know what capacity he’ll be around the organisation moving forward, but it’s so cool to have people around, whether it’s legends like Billy Williams or (Sandberg) or whoever it is that just remind you of the impact that can be had in the organisation and the joy that can be created for fans,” Hoerner said. “Having (Rizzo) around like that in any capacity will be really fun.”
Final Thoughts
The return of Anthony Rizzo to the Cubs as an ambassador reflects both his sporting and personal legacy. He is remembered not only for his powerful bat and leadership, but also for his courage and community service.
Fans can now look forward to seeing him back at Wrigley Field. His new role ensures that his bond with the club and city continues well into the future. For supporters, the ceremony against the Rays is sure to be an emotional occasion.
Rizzo’s story is a reminder of the deep connections between players, teams, and communities. It also shows how athletes can continue to inspire long after their playing days end. Such moments are not only celebrated by supporters but also attract attention across media and even online sports betting platforms, where historic players still generate interest.
