A WORLD Series champion has suddenly announced his retirement and will make an appearance at his longtime team’s game on Saturday.
The MLB star has called it quits with just several weeks left of the 2025 regular season.
Then-New York Yankees first baseman Anthony Rizzo walks back to the dugout after striking out in Game 5 of the 2024 World Series[/caption]
Rizzo celebrates after beating the Cleveland Indians in Game 7 of the 2016 World Series[/caption]
On Tuesday night, former first baseman Anthony Rizzo attended a New York Yankees game in the Bronx.
The three-time All-Star first baseman last played in 2024 with the Yankees, where he rocked the pinstripes for three and a half seasons.
But after going unsigned as a free agent since last offseason, Rizzo’s playing career has ended.
On Wednesday morning, Rizzo announced his retirement as his former team, the Chicago Cubs, will plan a ceremony to honor the 36-year-old on Saturday at Wrigley Field before their game versus the Tampa Bay Rays.
The Cubs also announced that Rizzo will retire as a member of the franchise and join the organization as an ambassador.
Rizzo joined the Cubs after the team acquired him from the San Diego Padres in a trade in 2012.
The first baseman spent 10 seasons with the Cubs, where he became a star and helped the franchise win a World Series in 2016.
It was the Cubs’ first title win since 2008.
Rizzo’s most iconic career moment came when he caught the final out at first base in Game 7 of the 2016 World Series.
During that season, he led the Cubs in RBIs (109).
Rizzo finished in the top 10 in MVP voting in three consecutive years from 2014 to 2016.
He also earned four Gold Glove Awards in his Cubs tenure.
Rizzo then joined the Yankees after being acquired in a July 2021 trade with the Cubs.
After a productive 2022 campaign, he struggled in his final two seasons, and injuries played a role.
The legendary picture of the now-retired Rizzo celebrating the Cubs’ first World Series title in 108 years[/caption]
Rizzo was limited to just 191 total games as he suffered from post-concussion syndrome during the 2023 campaign.
And he broke his arm and suffered fractured fingers last season.
Fortunately, Rizzo was able to play in the ALCS and World Series.
He became a free agent last offseason after the Yankees declined his $17 million option for 2025.
Rizzo would enjoy his final night before his retirement as he chugged a Bud Light beverage while being spotted on the jumbotron at Yankee Stadium during Tuesday’s 12-2 Yanks loss to the Detroit Tigers.
He enjoyed the contest with his wife, Emily Vakos, and their son, who was born this summer.
