Legends Never Fade—Anthony Rizzo Celebrates 14 Seasons of Glory

In 2025, news arrived in the baseball world. Anthony Rizzo announced his retirement. His 14-season career was not just a journey of a player but a symbol of an era. From a young talent drafted in Boston, to building a legend in Chicago, and finally closing his chapter in New York. His life encapsulated all the joys and trials that baseball could offer.

From Boy to Player: Draft Selection to First Appearance

In 2007, the Boston Red Sox drafted Anthony Rizzo out of a high school in Florida. At the time, could anyone have predicted that this young man would leave a mark on baseball history? Three years later, in 2010, after being traded to the San Diego Padres, Anthony Rizzo stepped onto the Major League stage. On June 11, 2011, in a game against the Washington Nationals, he recorded his first hit, marking the beginning of his story in the MLB. Over time, he would accumulate more than 1,600 hits.

The Magical Year: The 2016 Chicago Cubs Miracle

The moment Anthony Rizzo’s name was etched into eternity was the night of October 31, 2016. The Chicago Cubs had been without a World Series championship for 108 years. In Game 7 against the Cleveland Indians, in a tense moment in the 10th inning, Rizzo caught a ball coming from third base. At that moment, a curse that had lasted decades was broken.

That season, Rizzo played in 155 games, hitting 32 home runs. He shined even brighter in the playoffs, batting .320 in the NLCS against the Los Angeles Dodgers and .360 in the World Series, delivering an overwhelming performance. That year, he received both the Gold Glove and Platinum Glove awards, becoming a candidate for many individual honors. But the joy he brought to Chicago was greater than any personal accolade.

Challenges and Setbacks: The Reality of New York

In 2021, Anthony Rizzo was traded to the New York Yankees. Initially, he performed brilliantly and secured a multi-year contract. However, luck seemed to turn against him. Concussions in 2023 and a broken arm in 2024—injuries kept piling up, eroding his performance. By the end of the 2024 season, Rizzo returned from injury but only managed a .267 batting average. His former brilliance did not return.

After the season, his contract was not renewed. He refused to play for less than his market value. This strong principle led Anthony Rizzo to make a different decision.

Battling Illness and Life’s Mission

But Rizzo’s true fight was not on the field, but on his hospital bed. A year after being drafted, he was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma and endured six months of chemotherapy. The doctor’s words—"You can lead a normal life”—changed his life profoundly.

In 2012, Rizzo established the Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation, dedicating himself to cancer research and patient support. Annual charity events, aid for shooting victims, donations and facility improvements for his alma mater—his contributions to society became as significant as his achievements in baseball.

A New Chapter: Retirement and Legacy

In 2025, Anthony Rizzo decided to retire from baseball. Having achieved financial success, there was no reason to continue playing at any cost. Instead, it was time to open the next chapter of his life. His retirement ceremony at U.S. Cellular Field will be the final tribute Chicago pays to this man.

Fourteen seasons, countless honors, and above all, excellence on the field and humanitarian efforts off it. The name Anthony Rizzo has been etched into baseball history. Future generations will surely pass down his story. His life will be remembered not just as a player’s record but as an ideal of sportsmanship and humanity.