Anthony Rizzo Retires as Chicago Cub, Named Team Ambassador

Anthony Rizzo’s retirement really feels like the end of an era for the Chicago Cubs. After a wild 14-year MLB ride — 10 of those years in a Cubs uniform — Rizzo will hang up his cleats on Saturday and step into a new role as a team ambassador.

His journey from a young prospect to a franchise icon is packed with triumph, resilience, and a real connection to the city of Chicago. Let’s take a closer look at his career highlights, his impact on and off the field, and what this ambassador thing might mean for the Cubs’ future.

A Legendary Career in the Heart of Wrigleyville

Rizzo’s time in Chicago was more than just numbers — but those numbers do tell a story. Over 10 seasons with the Cubs, he batted .272 and smashed 242 home runs.

He also drove in 784 RBIs. These stats helped make him one of the National League’s most consistent power hitters during the 2010s.

But honestly, the numbers only scratch the surface. Rizzo became the face of the Cubs’ resurgence, leading both in the clubhouse and on the field.

His efforts peaked with the 2016 World Series championship. That moment broke the team’s 108-year title drought — and locked in his place as a Chicago sports legend.

Championship Glory and Honors

Over his career, Rizzo picked up an impressive list of accolades, including:

• 3× All-Star selections
• 4× Gold Glove Awards
• 1× Platinum Glove
• 1× Silver Slugger Award

He really did it all — elite defense, steady hitting, and a knack for showing up in big moments.

From Padres Prospect to Yankees Veteran

Before he became a Cubs cornerstone, Rizzo started out with the San Diego Padres. He showed early promise, even while facing something brutal — a Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosis at just 18.

He beat the illness and kept going, eventually racking up 1,644 hits, 303 home runs, and 965 RBIs over 1,727 games.

He finished his playing days with the New York Yankees. Even there, his veteran presence and power bat still made a difference until the very end.

Leadership Beyond the Stat Sheet

Rizzo’s warm personality and charitable spirit made him much more than just a ballplayer in Chicago. Through the Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation, he raised millions for cancer research and to help families fighting the disease.

All that work earned him the 2017 Roberto Clemente Award, which is one of the most respected off-field honors in baseball.

Praised by Teammates and Opponents Alike

Cubs chairman Tom Ricketts called Rizzo “the face of one of the most successful eras” in team history. Former teammates Ian Happ and Nico Hoerner praised his leadership and mentorship, saying he shaped the modern Cubs identity.

Even rivals tipped their caps. New Cubs manager Craig Counsell, who faced Rizzo plenty of times, described him as “a skilled defender, a smart baserunner, and someone who always found himself in the middle of big moments.”

The Next Chapter: Cubs Ambassador

Now, Rizzo joins a pretty exclusive group of Cubs ambassadors. He’ll keep his voice, presence, and influence right there with the franchise.

He’ll represent the team at community events, help build the Cubs’ connection with fans, and keep up his charitable work under the Cubs banner. It just feels right, doesn’t it?

A Legacy That Transcends Baseball

When Rizzo steps away from the diamond on Saturday, he won’t really be stepping away from the game. He’s not leaving Chicago either.

His legacy goes way beyond championships or awards. It’s about the friendships he formed, the causes he threw his weight behind, and the city he decided to call home.

For Cubs fans, Anthony Rizzo means more than just stats or highlights. He’s a symbol of resilience, leadership, and what it feels like to wear Cubbie blue with real pride.

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