The Cubs announced Wednesday morning that Anthony Rizzo will officially announce his retirement as a member of the Chicago Cubs and join the organization as team ambassador. Rizzo will make it official when the Cubs welcome him back to Wrigley Field on Saturday, September 13 as the Cubs take on the Tampa Bay Rays at 1:20 p.m. CT, where his career on the North Side will be celebrated with special on-field events.
“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 organization for many years to come,” said Cubs Executive Chairman Tom Ricketts in a statement. “His play on the field spoke for itself and was recognized 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. Who could forget Anthony catching Kris Bryant’s throw from third base for the final out that clinched the series?
“In addition, he was an inspiration to so many off the field through his foundation and his work with cancer research. Anthony’s professional career on the field might be complete, but it will be great to share this next chapter with him here with the Cubs. On behalf of the Cubs organization, we all congratulate Anthony for a memorable and successful playing career. We know the best is yet to come for him, his wife, Emily, and their family. We look forward to their rejoining our Cubs family as we create new memories for fans.”
In 10 seasons as a Cub, Rizzo batted .272/.372/.489 in 1,308 games with 242 home runs. The home-run total ranks sixth in franchise history. He was a three-time All-Star and won four Gold Gloves for his play at first base.
Here’s an article I wrote right after Rizzo was traded to the Yankees in July 2021 in appreciation of all he had done for the franchise. I’ll stand by what I wrote back then about him and what he meant to the team and to all of us. While all of the 2016 World Series Cubs were loved by fans, I believe Rizzo was the most loved of all, having come to the team right before a 101-loss season in 2012, and growing with the franchise into the World Series champion they became.
None of us will ever forget this moment:
Rizzo, of course, was traded for Kevin Alcántara, who might be on the cusp of a productive career with the Cubs, so in a way, Rizzo is continuing to contribute to the team.
I’m thrilled to bring this news to you and look forward to the ceremony on Saturday at Wrigley Field.
