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Chicago Cub’s big Anthony Rizzo showed exactly why he recently retired during the team’s 5-4 tab against Tampa Bay Rays on Wrigley Field on Saturday.
Rizzo, 36, joined Cubs as a team ambassador and threw the ceremonial first pitch to former teammate Ian who managed to start the day. Rizzo then went out to the bleaching machines to the left to enjoy the game and became part of the action.
Cubs appointed Hitter Moisé’s Ballesteros tore his first career home drive just off Rizzo, who stepped up on the top of the Bleacher seats to play.
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Former Chicago Cubs player Anthony Rizzo throws a ceremonial first pitch before a baseball match between Tampa Bay Rays and Chicago Cubs in Chicago, Illinois, on September 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Kamil Krzaczynski)
Instead, Rizzo reached up and fell the ball, which deflected his hand. He was shown on TV that seems to say, “That’s why I’m retired.”
Rizzo, a 14-year-old Major League veteran, said he was planning to eat a hot dog, drink adult drinks and possibly throw a baseball for happening in the left field.
“I have a day to really live it up,” Rizzo said.
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Former Chicago Cubs player Anthony Rizzo, right, chatting with Eddie Vedder before a baseball match between Chicago Cubs and Tampa Bay Rays in Chicago, Illinois, on September 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Kamil Krzaczynski)
The three-time all-star and four-time gold Glove winner hit .272 with 242 homers and 784 RBI of 10 years with Cubs. He helped the team win the World Series in 2016 to the franchise’s first title since 1908.
Rizzo was traded to New York Yankees as part of a sale at the trade deadline in 2021.
Rizzo and his family were visiting Chicago for the Music Festival Lollapalooza this summer when Cubs owner Tom Ricketts invited them to dinner where they discussed the ambassador role.
Former Chicago Cubs player Anthony Rizzo poses for a photo after talking during a press conference before a baseball match between Chicago Cubs and Tampa Bay Rays in Chicago, Illinois, on September 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Kamil Krzaczynski)
“Being traded was just such a velveline, heartbreaking, so many emotions and getting to play for Yankees was so special to me,” Rizzo said. “I grew up a Yankees fan.
“Being invited back here where I really created my legacy is very special to me and very humble.”
