Anthony Rizzo Honored by Cubs and Chicago

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September 13, 2025

A Legacy Celebrated in Wrigley Field

On September 13, Anthony Rizzo will be recognized at Wrigley Field, as fans, teammates, and the city of Chicago reflected on the legacy left by one of the franchise’s most adored players. Wearing a jersey signed by youngsters he met during countless hospital visits, Rizzo left the field not just as a World Series champion, but also as a symbol of resilience, compassion, and leadership.

Rizzo’s retirement as a Cub is viewed not only as the conclusion of a career. It is also as a tribute to a man who became the heart of a community and its club. Throughout championships and tribulations, his presence on and off the field left an unmistakable imprint that will be remembered for generations.

Rizzo’s Cubs Career

Rizzo’s arrival in Chicago in 2012 marked the start of a new era for the Cubs. He was acquired in a trade with the San Diego Padres and instantly became a key component of Theo Epstein’s rebuilding strategy. He was known for his strong bat, good glove, and infectious leadership, and he contributed to the franchise’s transformation from chronic disappointment to championship contender.

During his time with the Cubs, he made three All-Star appearances, won four Gold Gloves, and hit over 240 home runs. However, numbers alone do not define his legacy. Instead, his name is synonymous with leadership, loyalty, and hope, all of which irrevocably changed Wrigleyville.

Theo Epstein once stated, “When you think of what it means to be a Cub, you think of Anthony Rizzo.” That sentiment was felt across the ballpark as his retirement was embraced.

The Core Four

The Cubs’ spectacular run to the 2016 World Series was based around a young core, with Rizzo at the heart. He created the “Core Four” with Kris Bryant, Javier Báez, and Addison Russell, bringing energy and attitude to the team. Rizzo was the team’s go-to player when the pressure was on.

Bryant, the 2015 Rookie of the Year and 2016 MVP, frequently credited Rizzo with making his adjustment to the majors smooth. “Rizz was the leader from day one,” Bryant stated in a 2017 interview. “He set the tone for all of us, whether it was in the locker room or on the field.”

Javier Báez, noted for his flair and passion, frequently mimicked Rizzo’s intensity. Together, they produced highlight after highlight, with Báez’s daring tags and Rizzo’s first-base scoops defining an era of defensive prowess. Dexter Fowler, Ben Zobrist, and David Ross rounded out a roster that benefited from Rizzo’s consistency. When Ross homered in Game Seven of the 2016 World Series, Rizzo put the ball in his pocket, later stating, “Grandpa Rossy deserved to keep that forever.”

That victory, ending a 108-year drought, would not have been possible without Rizzo’s leadership. His RBI single in Game Six and defense in Game Seven were crucial, but so was his composed demeanor in the dugout. Younger teammates frequently stated the situation never felt too huge because Rizzo never let it.

More Than Just Baseball

Rizzo’s commitment to the community may have been bigger than his athletic achievements. Inspired by his own childhood struggle with Hodgkin’s lymphoma, Anthony Rizzo founded the Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation to raise millions for cancer research and patient assistance. His frequent visits to Lurie Children’s Hospital became famous, as young children and their families sought solace and strength in his presence.

Rizzo’s signed jersey, worn during his retirement ceremony, served as a reminder that his journey extends beyond baseball. It is a narrative of generosity, courage, and the bond between a player and a city.

The stories of his benevolence are innumerable. Hospital workers frequently recounted how he would spend hours speaking with families, much beyond his appointed time. Former teammate Jon Lester, who also battled cancer, reportedly observed, “Anthony doesn’t just show up—he shows up with his whole heart.”

An Emotional Goodbye

When the Cubs traded Rizzo to the New York Yankees in July 2021, Chicagoans cried tears. Fans felt as if a portion of Wrigley Field had been shifted. His goodbye news conference demonstrated how important the city was to him: “Chicago will always be my home,” he remarked, his voice breaking.

Despite the passage of time and changing occupations, September 13 is about bringing Rizzo home. Fans in the stands will be wearing No. 44 shirts and holding signs reading “Forever Our Captain.” Teammates from the 2016 championship made video tributes, with many believing that there’s no Chicago Cubs championship without Anthony Rizzo.

He’ll come onto the field in the hospital-signed jersey, to a round of applause and emotion. It’s not only about baseball. It’s about appreciation for how he carried a brand, a city, and countless children fighting for their lives.

A Gratitude Filled Farewell

As the Chicago Cubs honor Rizzo, emotions will undoubtedly flow from the stands. Fans remember him not only for his home runs and defensive highlights, but also for how he carried himself as the franchise’s face. His name will be eternally associated with Wrigley Field, the 2016 triumph, and the bond he established with Chicago.

Anthony Rizzo is not simply leaving the game. His retirement marks the end of a chapter in Chicago sports history, with thanks given for a legacy that will continue to inspire long after the final out.

Anthony Rizzo’s narrative is one of hope, resilience, and passion for the game, told by teammates, patients, fans, and front office executives alike. In the end, that story belongs to not just Anthony Rizzo, but the city of Chicago.