Leaving a legacy of 14 seasons: Anthony Rizzo concludes his baseball career

Anthony Rizzo officially announced his retirement from active play on Wednesday. Ending his 14-season Major League Baseball career, he played as a first baseman for the New York Yankees. A farewell ceremony is scheduled to take place at Rigley Field on Saturday, as he concludes his career as a member of the Chicago Cubs.

The Moment That Shook the Baseball World in 2016

The reason Anthony Rizzo’s name will be remembered forever can be summarized in just one moment. In 2016, when the Cubs, who had been without a championship for 108 years, won the historic World Series, it was he who made the final out in the 10th inning by catching a throw from third base. Throughout that season, Rizzo appeared in 155 games, hitting 32 home runs and driving in 109 RBIs. In the National League Championship Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, he posted a batting average of .320, and in the subsequent seven games of the World Series, he maintained a .360 batting average while playing flawless defense. He received both the Gold Glove and Platinum Glove awards in the same year and was also a finalist for the Marvin Miller Many of the Year Award.

Achievements and Honors That Supported His Career

Drafted in the 6th round of the 2007 MLB Draft by the Boston Red Sox, Rizzo was later traded to the Cubs via the San Diego Padres in 2011. His performance on the North Side was remarkable, earning three All-Star selections and four Gold Glove awards between 2011 and 2016. During that period, his OPS+ averaged nearly 140, and he consistently ranked in the top 10 in MVP voting, establishing himself as one of the league’s premier first basemen. After being traded to the Yankees at the 2021 trade deadline, he made an impressive debut with four hits, including two home runs, in his first game, and his contract was eventually extended through the 2024 season.

Overcoming Life’s Challenges

However, the most significant chapter in Rizzo’s story lies outside of baseball. During high school, he was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma and underwent six months of chemotherapy. His doctors told him he could lead a normal life, which included establishing the Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation in 2012. Focused on cancer research and supporting patients and their families, the foundation hosts numerous charity events such as annual cooking competitions, laughter challenges, and walk-offs, raising funds for its causes. Additionally, through donations to his alma mater, he has contributed to supporting victims of gun violence and installing lighting in school buildings.

Principles-Driven Decisions

Later in his career, Rizzo faced two major injuries: a concussion in 2023 and a broken arm in 2024. Although he participated in many games during the World Series with the Yankees, his performance was below average, with a batting average of .267. After his contract expired, he refused offers below his market value and chose not to play in the 2025 season. Having earned over $135 million throughout his career, it was likely a natural decision for him to prioritize principles over money.

Anthony Rizzo’s 14 seasons are decorated with countless awards and records. However, his true value cannot be measured by statistics alone. His excellence on the field, his charitable activities off the field, and his resilience in facing adversity—these will be the legacy of Anthony Rizzo that will be passed down to future generations.