Anthony Rizzo doesn’t feel like he needs closure for his upcoming visit to Wrigley Field, where he will return with the Yankees after being traded from the Cubs three years ago.
Rizzo, who played a key role in helping the Cubs win their first World Series title in 108 years in 2016, believes he will always have a special connection with Chicago.
“I think that door will always be open in Chicago,” Rizzo said. “The amount of respect I have for the fan base there, and the love I have for them and the Cubs.”
He also feels a strong bond with the Yankees, who re-signed him after the 2021 season and again the following year, giving him a $40 million, two-year contract with a team option for 2025.
“As much as we love Chicago, I think where we ended up was perfect for us,” he said. Despite his positive feelings for his current team, Rizzo reflects fondly on his time with the Cubs, especially the year they won the World Series.
The Cubs’ championship in 2016 was a highlight of Rizzo’s career and came about halfway through his tenure with the team. He had been with the Red Sox and Padres before joining the Cubs.
“After we won the World Series, the stories that you heard, all the pictures of the people going to the graves. Just the countless stories you still hear,” Rizzo said.
“It was really special after we won and just the years after, being there, seeing how happy those fans were. I think anyone you ask on that team will say pretty much the same thing.”
Most players from that World Series team have moved on due to trades and free agency, but Rizzo stays in touch with many of them. As he heads to Wrigley Field this weekend, the focus will be as much on the historic ballpark as on the game itself.
Rizzo enjoyed his time playing at Wrigley Field and has fond memories of the fans there.
“I loved it,” Rizzo said about playing at Wrigley. “The fans bring the energy there every day, similar to Yankee Stadium, similar to Fenway, similar to Dodger Stadium.”
Rizzo mentioned that Fenway Park is his favorite place to visit as a visitor, and he is looking forward to being at Wrigley Field from the other side this time.
In 2016, Rizzo had a great season with a .292 batting average, 32 home runs, and 109 RBIs, which matched his career high for home runs. That year, he was named an All-Star for the third consecutive time and won both a Gold Glove and a Silver Slugger award.
His performance with the Yankees has not been as strong, partly due to injuries over the past two seasons. Rizzo, now 35, had a concussion last year and recently returned from a right forearm fracture that kept him out for about 2 1/2 months.
The Cubs and Yankees have faced each other in the past two seasons, but those games were held in New York. Rizzo is expecting a warm reception from Cubs fans at Wrigley Field.
“I think it’s going to be awesome,” said Yankees manager Aaron Boone, who frequently visited Wrigley Field during his time with the Cincinnati Reds.
“He’ll be forever etched in their history and forever beloved in that town. I’m sure it’s exciting for him to go back.”
Rizzo also feels that being traded to the Yankees was a positive turn for his career.
“I think just getting traded was a refresher for my career,” Rizzo said. “To be able to live in the city and play at Yankee Stadium is something I wish every baseball player could experience. The lights are brighter. They shine a little brighter every day. It brings the best out of you.”
