3 days ago
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Cubs legend Anthony Rizzo has announced his retirement from Major League Baseball.
The 36-year-old played 14 seasons in MLB - with a decade of that time spent at the Cubs - and helped lead Chicago to a World Series title in 2016.
Along with his stint at the Cubs, Rizzo also spent time at the New York Yankees, which is where he spent the final four years of his MLB career.
The news was confirmed by the Cubs Executive Chairman Tom Ricketts, who said: 'Anthony Rizzo was the face of one of the most successful eras in Chicago Cubs history and we are so excited he will be a part of our organization for many years to come.
'His play on the field spoke for itself and was recognized with multiple All-Star appearances, Gold Glove Awards, the Roberto Clemente Award and, ultimately, being a team leader on the 2016 World Series championship team'.
Rizzo will retire as a Cub during an on-field ceremony at Wrigley Field before Saturday's game against the Tampa Bay Rays. Rizzo will also become a team ambassador for the Cubs organization after hanging up his cleats.
Cubs legend Anthony Rizzo has announced his retirement from Major League Baseball
It's fair to say that the three-time All-Star made the most of his final night before retirement - after being spotted alongside his wife chugging a beer at a Yankees game on Tuesday night
It's fair to say that the three-time All-Star made the most of his final night before retirement - after being spotted chugging a beer at a Yankees game on Tuesday.
Rizzo was seen in the stands alongside his wife during the Yankees' 12-2 defeat to the Detroit Tigers, as broadcast cameras cut to the former first baseman.
In response, Rizzo proceeded to down the beer that he had been sipping, much to the joy of fans who had been watching on the big screen at the Yankee Stadium.
It marked a wholesome return to Yankees for Rizzo, who had previously suffered two injury-hit seasons while playing there.
Rizzo's injuries over the two seasons came from incidents largely out of his control. He suffered a concussion after a first-base collision, a fractured forearm, and two broken knuckles after his right hand was hit by a pitch.
Back in February, as he reflected on his injuries, Rizzo claimed he was healthy enough to continue playing but acknowledged his days on the field were numbered.
'I've definitely thought about it. I think I have a lot to give to the game still,' the three-time All-Star and four-time Gold Glove winner at first base told The Athletic.
'But at the same time, if teams are not going to want to pay a few million dollars for veterans, I've seen it the last 10 years of my career.
Rizzo spent three-and-a-half years with the Yankees but had his time derailed by injuries
'It's what happens to the older guys. They kind of get squeezed. You've seen it happen more and more. I'm not naive to it. It could be it.'
Meanwhile, Rizzo became a Cubs legend after being acquired in a trade back in 2012 before swiftly becoming a mainstay at first base.
He earned MVP votes in five consecutive seasons while hitting 30 or more home runs in four of those years.
He also became known for his off-field work, such as creating the Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation in support
