Anthony Rizzo

Anthony Rizzo's Biography

the first pitch, Rizzo hit a home run, setting a new high watermark for the team. He ended up with a .333 average for the week and four home runs. Thanks to his power-hitting skills, Rizzo also hit two home runs in his first two leadoff spots in subsequent games.

In his career with the Chicago Cubs until 2020, he hit .273 with an on-base percentage of .373 and a slugging percentage of .486. He struck out in roughly 15% of his plate appearances and had 229 home runs. In the 5000 plate appearances he had with Cubs, he had a wRC+ of 132, firmly positioning him as an elite hitter in baseball. He won the Gold Glove Award for his outstanding fielding skills three times and the Silver Slugger award for his exceptional offensive contributions once. He was also a four-time All-Star player.

In addition to his on-field contributions, Rizzo was known for his leadership in the locker room. After the 2018 season, he was given the Roberto Clemente Award, which is awarded annually by Major League Baseball to a player who demonstrates exceptional commitment to the community and understanding of the value of helping others.

In the first half of 2021, Rizzo was again an impressive performer but no longer the elite hitter he once was. His bat speed slowed and pitchers were able to sneak fastballs by him more frequently. Still, Rizzo put up a .248/.346/.446 line with 14 home runs over the 92 games he played for the Cubs in 2021. Despite the decline, Rizzo remained a solid contributor and a reliable presence at first base.

Towards the end of the 2021 season, Rizzo was traded to the New York Yankees who were seeking to bolster their chances of making the playoffs. The trade saw Rizzo saying farewell to his beloved Chicago Cubs, where he had played nearly all of his career.

Moving to the Yankees marked a new chapter in Rizzo’s career. It was a move that would test his ability to adapt to a new team culture and city. Nevertheless, Rizzo demonstrated his value as a player shortly after joining the Yankees, contributing significantly to their hitting game in the final stretch of the 2021 season.

Following the 2022 season, Rizzo became a free agent and eventually re-signed with the Yankees. He was offered a two-year deal with an option for a third year, cementing his place in one of baseball’s most storied franchises. This not only provided security for Rizzo’s career in the MLB but also demonstrated the Yankees’ continued belief in his capabilities as a player.

Rizzo’s philanthropic efforts have been recognized throughout his career. As a nominee for the Heart and Hustle Award, Rizzo has demonstrated a profound understanding of the spirit of the game, a commitment to helping others, and a passion for the sport that has helped to make him one of the most respected players in the Major League.

Born on August 8, 1989, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Rizzo was raised in Parkland, a suburban community in Broward County. He attended Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, where he was a standout baseball player. After graduation, Rizzo planned to attend Florida Atlantic University. However, before he could enroll, he was selected by the Boston Red Sox in the sixth round of the 2007 MLB draft.

Throughout his professional career, Rizzo has had an indisputable impact on the game. He has excelled in his performance on the field, contributing to the success of his teams and securing a trusted reputation within the sport. Off the field, his commitment to giving back has earned him recognition as a strong role model for aspiring young players.

As Rizzo continues to share his talent with baseball fans around the world, he not only inspires with his performance but also with his leadership and consistent dedication to the game. Despite changing teams and cities, Anthony Rizzo’s relentless pursuit of excellence, combined with his genuine care for his community, has differentiated him as a commendable role model in Major League Baseball.