“I’m not leaving the Cubs, I’m just changing positions to continue to contribute. I want all Cubs fans to remember me not only for my home runs and championship moments, but also for my kind heart – a Cubs that is always connected to this community.”

Considered a modern-era Cubs icon, Anthony Rizzo is remembered not only for his historic 2016 World Series win but also for his infectious smile and energy in the locker room. Now, as the team’s representative, he continues to write a new chapter in his career – one with less green grass, but more human stories.

Rizzo’s philanthropy has long been a highlight. Through his eponymous foundation, he has raised millions of dollars to support pediatric cancer patients and their families. Rizzo, who battled cancer as a teenager, has always emphasized that every step of his journey has stemmed from “a moment of being given a chance to live.”

The latest event, where Rizzo personally met with young patients and handed out donations, was quickly shared widely by the Cubs community. Images of him bending down, holding the hand of a young boy undergoing treatment, or quietly hugging a crying mother, flooded social media with emotional comments.

One fan wrote on X (old Twitter): “Rizzo never really left us. He is still the heart of the Cubs, just in a different way.”

Rizzo did not shy away from the fact that his playing career had ended. But instead of leaving a void, he proactively filled it with love. His role as an official Cubs representative allowed him to be directly involved in the community, continuing to inspire the younger generation and connecting fans to the team.

At the end of his speech, Rizzo sent a message to all of Cubs Nation:
“Baseball has given me everything, and now it’s time to give back to the place I call home. The Cubs will always be in my blood. We are more than just a team – we are a family.”

In that moment, the applause was thunderous. There was no doubt: for Anthony Rizzo, hanging up his gloves was just the beginning of another journey of dedication – where love, faith and a kind heart continued to carry the Cubs forward.