Anthony Rizzo Returns to Wrigley Field as a Newly Retired Ambassador
Former Chicago Cubs star Anthony Rizzo made a memorable return to Wrigley Field on Saturday, this time as a team ambassador rather than a player. The 36-year-old, who recently retired after 14 seasons in the major leagues, threw out the ceremonial first pitch to his former teammate Ian Happ before the Cubs’ game against the Tampa Bay Rays. What followed was a lighthearted moment that perfectly encapsulated why Rizzo decided to hang up his glove, as he headed to the left-field bleachers to enjoy the game as a fan – complete with hot dogs and adult beverages.
While enjoying the game from the bleachers, Rizzo unexpectedly found himself in the middle of the action when Cubs designated hitter Moisés Ballesteros hit his first career home run directly toward him. Rizzo, ever the competitor, attempted to make a play on the ball by standing up on the bleacher seats and reaching for the catch. In a humorous moment captured on television, Rizzo dropped the ball as it deflected off his hand, after which he was seen apparently saying, “That’s why I’m retired.” The moment perfectly captured the relaxed, enjoyable transition Rizzo is making from player to spectator and ambassador.
Rizzo’s legacy with the Cubs is substantial and beloved. During his decade with the team from 2012 to 2021, he hit .272 with 242 home runs and 784 RBIs, earned three All-Star selections, and won four Gold Glove awards at first base. Most significantly, he played a crucial role in the Cubs’ historic 2016 World Series victory – the franchise’s first championship since 1908. His leadership, defensive skills, and clutch hitting made him a cornerstone of that legendary team, cementing his place in Cubs history. Before Saturday’s game, Rizzo joked about his plans for the day: “I have one day to really live it up,” indicating his intention to fully embrace the fan experience, including potentially tossing a baseball to Happ while he played left field.
The path that brought Rizzo back to the Cubs organization as an ambassador began during a summer visit to Chicago. While in town for the Lollapalooza music festival with his family, Cubs owner Tom Ricketts invited them to dinner, where discussions about the ambassador role took place. This reunion clearly holds special meaning for Rizzo, whose departure from the team during the 2021 trade deadline was emotional. “Getting traded was just such a whirlwind, heartbreaking, so many emotions,” Rizzo reflected. After being sent to the New York Yankees as part of the Cubs’ rebuilding efforts, Rizzo continued his career in pinstripes – a fitting destination given that he grew up as a Yankees fan.
Despite the meaningful years he spent with the Yankees to conclude his playing career, Rizzo’s connection to Chicago and the Cubs remains especially profound. “To be invited back here where I really created my legacy is very special to me and very humbling,” he said, acknowledging the significant role the Cubs played in his career development and personal growth. This sentiment reflects the mutual appreciation between Rizzo and the organization – a relationship that now continues in his post-playing role as team ambassador.
The scene at Wrigley Field on Saturday encapsulated baseball’s special ability to bring together past and present, highlighting the enduring bonds between players, teams, and fans. Though the Cubs ultimately lost the game 5-4 to the Rays, Rizzo’s presence created a moment of celebration and nostalgia that transcended the game’s outcome. His transition from player to ambassador represents a new chapter in his relationship with the Cubs and their fans, one that allows him to remain connected to the team where he enjoyed his greatest successes while embracing a new perspective on the game he clearly still loves – even if his catching skills in the bleachers might need some work.
