Rizzo, 2016 WS champ, calls it a career after 14 seasons

The image will live forever in Cubs history: Anthony Rizzo raising both arms skyward and then tucking the baseball in his back pocket en route to the mob scene in the middle of the infield in Cleveland.

That ball caught by Rizzo secured the final out and a triumph of the 2016 World Series, ending the Cubs’ 108-year championship drought and cemented that team’s place in the franchise’s annals. Rizzo was at the heart of that core group -- both in personality and production -- and will be remembered as one of the icons of Cubs history.

On Wednesday, Rizzo announced he will retire as a member of the Cubs, closing the book on an incredible career that spanned 14 seasons. He'll also join the organization as a team ambassador. Rizzo will be at Wrigley Field on Saturday for the team’s game against the Rays when the Cubs celebrate his career.

"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,” said Cubs executive chairman Tom Ricketts in a statement. “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 spent a decade as a core piece within multiple playoff runs with the North Siders, followed by a three-year stint with the Yankees that ended with an American League pennant last season.

Over his career, Rizzo was named an All-Star three times, took home four Gold Glove Awards (including the Platinum Glover in 2016) for his work at first base and finished fourth in the National League MVP voting twice. Rizzo also was honored with the Roberto Clemente Award in ‘17 for his many charitable endeavors away from the diamond.

In Cubs history, Rizzo finished sixth overall in home runs with 242, trailing only Sammy Sosa, Ernie Banks, Billy Williams, Ron Santo and Ryne Sandberg on that list. When he was not using his blend of power and patience to drive in runs, the first baseman also used his unique stance to set a franchise record for being hit by the pitch (165).

Rizzo hit .261/.361/.467 over his 1,727 career games in the Majors, compiling 303 home runs, 338 doubles, 781 walks and 965 RBIs.

The Cubs initially acquired Rizzo on Jan. 6, 2012, in a trade that sent Andrew Cashner to the Padres. It was the second time that Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer was involved in acquiring the first baseman. He also landed Rizzo from the Red Sox while working as the Padres’ GM in 2010.

After an initial taste of the Majors with the Padres in ‘11, Rizzo joined the Cubs’ big league team in ‘12 as the ballclub was in the early phases of a lengthy rebuild. The first baseman marked one of the first building blocks for a core group -- also anchored by Kris Bryant, Javier Báez and Kyle Schwarber on the position-player side -- that propelled Chicago to the playoffs by ‘15.

As that Cubs squad grew into a team that captured three division titles and reached the playoffs five times in a six-year span, Rizzo established himself as one of the best all-around first basemen in baseball. He launched at least 25 home six times with the Cubs and racked up at least 100 RBIs in four seasons, while playing elite defense.

Rizzo’s best offensive seasons were in 2015-16, when the Cubs began a run of reaching the NL Championship Series in three straight years. He hit .278 with 31 homers, 38 doubles, 101 RBIs and an .899 OPS in ‘15, and then hit .292 with 32 homers, 43 doubles, 109 RBIs and a .928 OPS in ‘16.

During the ‘16 playoffs, Rizzo famously belted a home run off Clayton Kershaw in Game 6 of the NLCS against the Dodgers. The first baseman then hit .360 (9-for-25) in the seven-game Fall Classic against Cleveland. That included a homer in Game 6 and an RBI single in Game 7, helping the Cubs erase a 3-1 deficit in the historic series.

Rizzo’s run with the Cubs came to the close in ‘21, when the team’s midseason collapse convinced Hoyer that it was time to begin a new rebuilding project. Báez, Bryant and Rizzo were all dealt away in a Trade Deadline overhaul that would reshape the Cubs’ future. Rizzo was traded to the Yankees in a deal for two prospects.

On the day of the trade, Rizzo walked into the outfield at Wrigley Field before leaving the ballpark. He spread his arms and leaned back into the ivy that covers the famous brick wall. It was a sentimental moment that brought a close to his run with the Cubs, which included 1,308 regular-season games.

Rizzo had a solid showing with the Yankees in 2022, hitting 32 home runs and posting an .817 OPS, but had injuries and diminished production across ‘23-24. He still found his way to the World Series last fall, though the Dodgers emerged victorious and Rizzo entered an uncertain future as a free agent.

The news of Rizzo’s retirement puts the period on a career that will be remembered fondly by Cubs fans everywhere. With the 10-year anniversary of the ‘16 World Series triumph looming next season, there should be more chances to celebrate the first baseman and that historic team coming.