THE MOMENT: AN EMOTIONAL HOMECOMING
CHICAGO, IL—In a scene that felt like it was ripped straight from a Hollywood script, Anthony Rizzo officially closed the book on his playing career and opened a new one in the only place that truly felt like home. On December 11, 2025, at the Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation’s 14th Annual “Walk-Off for Cancer,” the man known as “The Greatest Catholic to ever play first base” broke down in tears as he addressed a crowd of thousands of Cubs fans.
The news that set the city on fire? Rizzo is officially back with the Chicago Cubs as a Team Ambassador for Life, ensuring that the heart and soul of the 2016 World Series team never has to wear another jersey again.
THE ANNOUNCEMENT: “I’M STAYING WITH THE CUBS”
The charity event, which raised millions for pediatric cancer, turned into an impromptu retirement celebration. Rizzo, who spent the 2025 season out of the game following the New York Yankees’ decision to decline his option, confirmed that he had turned down multiple “minor-league” offers this winter to stay in Chicago.
- The Quote: “I want fans to remember me not just for my home runs or championship moments,” Rizzo shared, his voice cracking as he looked toward his wife, Emily, and the fans. “But for the love I have for this community. You’ve always been a part of my life, and now, I get to be a part of yours forever. I’m staying with the Cubs.“
- The New Role: As an Ambassador, Rizzo joins legends like Billy Williams, Fergie Jenkins, and Kerry Wood. His role will focus on community outreach, mentoring young players like Matt Shaw and Moisés Ballesteros, and continuing his deep philanthropic work with Lurie Children’s Hospital.
THE NEXT CHALLENGE: 26.2 MILES FOR A CAUSE
Rizzo didn’t just announce a career change; he announced a physical one. To prove he’s still a “competitor at heart,” Rizzo revealed his next “terrifying” project: running the 2026 Chicago Marathon.
“It’s terrifying,” Rizzo admitted to Marquee Sports Network. “I wasn’t the lightest on my feet on the bases to begin with! But we’re going to raise $100,000 for the foundation, and I’m ready for the challenge.”
BY THE NUMBERS: THE RIZZO LEGACY (2012–2025)
| Category | The “Rizz” Stats | The Chicago Impact |
| Cubs Seasons | 10 (2012–2021) | The first “pillar” of the Theo Epstein rebuild. |
| World Series Titles | 1 (2016) | Caught the final out in Cleveland. |
| All-Star Games | 3 | A perennial fan-favorite and dugout leader. |
| Gold Gloves | 4 | The standard-bearer for first-base defense. |
| HRs (Cubs Only) | 242 | Currently 6th on the Cubs’ all-time list. |
A NEW CHAPTER BEGINS
For Cubs fans, seeing Rizzo back in a blue hoodie—even if he’s not holding a bat—is the ultimate holiday gift. The tears at the charity event weren’t just for a career ending; they were for a family reunited. As Rizzo threw out a ceremonial first pitch to Ian Happ earlier this fall, the message was clear: No. 44 belongs in Chicago.
