Anthony Rizzo Retires From The Chicago Cubs After 14 Seasons

Chicago Cubs All-Star Anthony Rizzo will retire as a Cub during an honorary on-field ceremony before Saturday’s game against the Tampa Bay Rays.

Rizzo spent his final MLB seasons with the New York Yankees, but will forever be known as a Cub. He spent his prime with the Cubs from 2012 to 2021.

Over the 10 seasons with the Cubs, he emerged as an icon. Rizzo led the team to their first World Series in 2016 since 1908, ending an over-century drought. He has earned three All-Star selections, four Gold Glove awards, a Silver Slugger award, and the 2017 Robert Clemente Award.

He was the first baseman who caught Kris Bryant‘s throw for the final out in the 2016 World Series, securing his position as a historic player. Rizzo’s career reflected consistency with a batting average of .272, 242 home runs, and 784 RBIs in 1,308 games for the Cubs.

Rizzo will transition into an ambassador for the organization following the retirement ceremony.

“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,” Cubs Executive Chairman Tom Ricketts said in a statement.

The Cubs initially obtained Rizzo on Jan. 6, 2012, in a trade with the San Diego Padres. Despite being drafted by the Boston Red Sox in 2007, Rizzo did not make his MLB debut until 2010 with the Padres.

After playing one season with the Padres, Rizzo was traded to the Cubs in January 2012. His time with the Cubs proved Rizzo is a jack-of-all-trades on the field.

The night before the announcement, Rizzo was spotted at a Yankees game with his wife, Emily, and their newborn son, sharing smiles with the crowd as the game continued.

The ceremony at Wrigley Field will celebrate more than statistics, but honor Rizzo’s leadership, philanthropy and impact on the team. For Cubs fans, Saturday will be less of a goodbye to Rizzo and more of a welcome back.