Chicago Cubs Legend Anthony Rizzo Hangs Up His Cleats

It’s time to hang up the cleats for one of Chicago’s favorite sons. Anthony Rizzo, the ever-smiling, hard-hitting first baseman who became the heart and soul of the Chicago Cubs, is calling it a career after 14 seasons in the big leagues.

And in a move that feels as right as a perfectly turned 3-6-3 double play, Rizzo will sign a one-day contract to officially retire as a Cub. The team announced that Wrigley Field will host a special ceremony this Saturday to honor the man who was so central to breaking the most infamous curse in sports history.

Let’s be real, you can’t tell the story of the 2016 World Series champion Cubs without putting Rizzo front and center. He wasn’t just a player; he was the emotional core of a team that carried the weight of 108 years of lovable losing. How will his career be remembered?

The Face Of a Cursed Franchise No More

When the Cubs acquired Rizzo from the San Diego Padres back in 2012, nobody could have predicted the seismic shift he would bring to the North Side. He was a cornerstone, one of the first key pieces in Theo Epstein’s grand plan to tear it all down and build a juggernaut. And build they did.

Rizzo quickly established himself as a fan favorite, not just for his sweet left-handed swing that sent balls flying onto Waveland Avenue, but for his infectious leadership and gritty play. He was a three-time All-Star, a four-time Gold Glove winner, and the guy who always seemed to come through in the clutch. Remember that blast off Clayton Kershaw in the NLCS? Pure magic.

And then there was the moment. Game 7. A throw across the diamond from Kris Bryant. And who was there to squeeze the final out, pocket the ball, and kickstart the biggest party Chicago had ever seen? Anthony Rizzo, of course. It is a moment etched into the memory of every Cubs fan, a snapshot of pure, unadulterated joy.

More Than Just a Ballplayer

Rizzo’s impact wasn’t confined to the chalk lines. A cancer survivor himself, he poured his heart into his foundation, earning the prestigious Roberto Clemente Award in 2017 for his work helping families battling the disease. He was a leader in the clubhouse and a pillar in the community. That is a legacy that lasts longer than any home run. After his emotional trade to the New York Yankees in 2021, Rizzo continued to produce, even helping the Bronx Bombers to a World Series appearance in 2024. But his home was always Chicago. It’s where he became a legend.

Now, he’s coming back to Clark and Addison one last time as a player, before transitioning into a new role as a team ambassador. It’s a fitting next chapter for a guy who gave everything to the city and the franchise. So, on Saturday, when Rizzo steps onto the Wrigley Field grass again, expect the cheers to be deafening. It’s a chance for Chicago to say thank you to a player who was more than just a star—he was one of their own.