Chicago — “If you want to understand who the Cubs are in the modern era, look at Anthony Rizzo.” When Sports Illustrated unexpectedly named Rizzo the greatest captain of all time for the Chicago Cubs, it wasn’t just a title — it was recognition for a journey that redefined an entire team.

In a club with a history spanning over a century, a club that has witnessed countless legends, Rizzo’s standing above all others is enough to make all of MLB pause and reflect.

Anthony Rizzo was never officially given the title of “captain” in the traditional sense, but in the eyes of his teammates, coaching staff, and fans, he was always the leader.

Sports Illustrated emphasizes that what set Rizzo apart wasn’t his statistics, but his lasting influence on the team’s culture, especially during the Cubs’ transformation from a perpetually struggling team to World Series champions.

That’s something that can’t be measured by RBIs or home runs.

It’s his legacy.

It’s impossible to talk about Anthony Rizzo without mentioning 2016.

After a 108-year wait, the Chicago Cubs finally won the World Series—one of the most iconic moments in American sports history. And at the heart of that victory was Rizzo.

He wasn’t just one of the team’s best players, but also the one who maintained the team spirit during the most tense moments. As Game 7 went into extra innings, with the pressure at its peak, Rizzo remained the calmest player on the court.

No panic. No wavering.

Just focused on winning.

That’s the mark of a true leader.

What made Rizzo the “greatest captain” wasn’t his locker room speeches, but the way he lived and played every day.

He was always the first to arrive, the last to leave.

He played with the highest energy, whether it was a game in April or October.

And most importantly, he always put the team before himself.

Throughout his time with the Cubs, Rizzo wasn’t just the first baseman. He was the connecting link of the entire team—the person every young player looked up to, and every veteran respected.

If you only look at the statistics, Rizzo has had an impressive career:

3-time All-Star
4-time Gold Glove
Over 240 home runs with the Cubs

But Sports Illustrated emphasizes that what sets him apart isn’t the numbers.

Because the Cubs have had better hitters.

They’ve had more legendary pitchers.

But no one has combined talent, character, and influence like Rizzo.

Before becoming champions, the Cubs were a team of failures.

And it was during that period that Rizzo laid the foundation for change.

He arrived in Chicago when the team was rebuilding, when the stands had lost faith, when everything seemed haunted by a “curse.”

But Rizzo didn’t just stay — he became the reason for others to believe.

That’s a rare kind of leadership: not when you’re at the top, but when you’re at the bottom.

Even after moving to the New York Yankees, Rizzo was always considered the “soul” of the Cubs in the modern era.

In Chicago, he left behind not just numbers—but a standard.

A standard of how to play.

How to lead.

And how to build a winning team.

Even after leaving the Cubs, his influence remains present in how the team operates.

In Cubs history, there’s no shortage of big names.

Ernie Banks—an icon of joy and loyalty.

Ron Santo—a legend of a difficult era.

Sammy Sosa—a man who brought explosiveness.

But Rizzo was the only one who connected all of those things—and turned it into victory.

Sports Illustrated called him “the greatest captain” not because he was perfect, but because he represented everything the Cubs aspired to be.

In sports, some titles are awarded based on achievement. But there are also titles awarded based on emotion, memory, and lasting impact.

Anthony Rizzo belongs to the second group.

He didn’t just help the Cubs win.

He helped them believe they could win.

And sometimes, that’s what matters most.

For the Chicago Cubs, Rizzo is more than just a player.

He’s the captain—in a way every team aspires to, but not everyone gets.