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Nov 2, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo (44) celebrates after defeating the Cleveland Indians in game seven of the 2016 World Series at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

4-Time Gold Glover and World Series Champ Anthony Rizzo Hangs Up The Cleats with the Cubs

Originally posted on Stadium Rant | By Bruce Osslund | Last updated Sep 11, 2025 8:42 PM ET

2016 World Series champion and longtime Chicago Cub first baseman Anthony Rizzo finally calls it quits after 14 years in the league and signs a one-day contract with Chicago.

Along with retiring with the Cubs, Rizzo will also be joining the franchise as a team ambassador. Executive chairman Tom Ricketts is excited for Rizzo to join the organization.

“His play on the field spoke for itself and was recognized with multiple All-star appearances, Gold Glove Awards, being a team leader on the 2016 World Series championship team” Ricketts said.

Awards And Records

Here are some special accolades Rizzo has accumulated over the years:

Rizzo joins a close in company for Chicago homers with Sammy Sosa, Ernie Banks, Billy Williams, Ron Santo, and Ryne Sandberg with 242 all-time homeruns for the franchise in Wrigley Field.

Rizzo earned the Golden Glove Award four times during his time with the Cubs. One year shy of a five-peat, he won the award in 2016, 2018, 2019, and 2020.

To add one to winning the World Series in 2016, Rizzo also won the Silver Slugger Award that season, and then the Roberto Clemente Award in 2017.

Apr 10, 2019; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo (44) is presented with the Golden Glove award before the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Jon Durr-USA TODAY Sports

Timeline

Drafted by the Boston Red Sox in 2007, then quickly dealt to the San Diego Padres, Rizzo showed resilience. Even in these early years, his grit stood out. Chicago fans would later see that determination define his career.

In 2012, Rizzo undoubtedly became the face of the Cubs franchise, bringing energy and leadership. His at-bats were always a must-watch, but the presence he had in the dugout is what made him special.

Rizzo was the embodiment of Wrigleyville’s heartbeat on the team’s World Series run in 2016. He fielded the final out of the game, clinching the World Series win. After 108 dreadful years, there was nothing but joy.

Seeing Rizzo leave Chicago in 2021 was truly heartbreaking to see, along with Kris Bryant and Javy Baez departing. It was like watching your favorite boy band break up for good.

Rizzo was on to chase another title with new teammates like Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton in New York. For Cubs fans, they know his fandom will forever be cemented in Wrigley Field.

Jun 10, 2022; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees first baseman Anthony Rizzo (48) gets hit by a pitch during the first inning against the Chicago Cubs at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports

What He Means To Chicago

Rizzo was always ready to step up to the plate to give the home crowd memories. Doesn’t matter if it was a playoff run in October or just must-win games against the Milwaukee Brewers and St. Louis Cardinals, he grounded the stadium pulse.

He was a team captain for a reason. That title needs to be earned, and Rizzo was chosen for his intensity and presence. Nobody could’ve taken that away from him.

End Of My Anthony Rizzo Rant

In my opinion, Rizzo hung up the cleats at the right time. I was glad to grow up watching him on my favorite team, the Cubs, and especially bringing home the World Series trophy. Unfortunately, after departing Chicago, his talent and spark started to diminish a little. Once the New York Yankees lost the World Series, he knew his time was up. Although I am glad he’s retiring with the Cubs, he will be part of the organization. A statue should be inbound.

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This article first appeared on Stadium Rant and was syndicated with permission.

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