Anthony Rizzo was a part of the analyst team during the AL Wild Card Series, and expressed that showing up to the stadium without a uniform stirred up a lot of feelings.
The former Yankee joined NBC Sports broadcast team as an “Inside the Pitch” analyst this season and shared his perspective from the booth as the Yankees swept the Red Sox in two games. He’s been back at Yankee Stadium for a few games during the season, but Rizzo explained that returning to the Bronx this time in late September felt
a lot different.
“The drive to the stadium for the first game was a different feeling,” Rizzo told Pinstripe Alley. “I was like ‘Oh wow, I’m driving into a playoff game but I’m not playing.‘ I had a little bit of adrenaline going, but had to relax because I’m on the broadcast team now.”
However, after watching Payton Tolle ply his craft and Cam Schlittler throw consistently over 100 mph throughout the battle in Game 1, Rizzo admitted he was ultimately glad he wasn’t facing either. He also shared that the atmosphere in the Bronx during the playoffs is so uniquely intense that it makes a huge impact in every at bat.
“When the momentum is going it’s all sunshine and rainbows,” Rizzo said. “On the other end, when it’s not going well, that Yankee Stadium crowd can suffocate the home team. It’s really important as a player to get the crowd behind you in a good way, because we all know that Yankees fans are very passionate and will let you know how they’re feeling immediately. When the Bronx Zoo is Bronx Zooing, there’s no better place.”
Following the series sweep that sent the Yankees to face the Rays in the ALDS, Rizzo shared his key to get ahead of Tampa Bay as they look to advance to their first ALCS since Rizzo’s own playing days in pinstripes, back in 2024.
“If they can keep the Rays’ big three, Díaz, Aranda, and Caminero Jr. at bay, I think they have a great chance. At the end of the day, it’s all about timely hitting.”
Down 0-2 in the series following the 5-2 loss, the Yankees will look to stay alive as they return to the electric Bronx atmosphere for Game 3 on Wednesday night.
