Chicago Cubs Honor World Series Champion Anthony Rizzo with Retirement Ceremony at Wrigley Field, Announce His Role as New Team Ambassador

CHICAGO (WLS) — Anthony Rizzo, who was part of the Chicago Cubs’ World Series winning team in 2016, was honored during a pre-game ceremony Saturday at Wrigley Field to celebrate his MLB retirement.

The Cubs legend announced his retirement on Wednesday. On Saturday, he said he’s grateful to be retiring as a Cub.

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The former first baseman threw out the ceremonial first pitch before the Cubs played the and Tampa Bay Rays Saturday.

Rizzo, 36, played 14 seasons in MLB, including 10 seasons with the Cubs.

He wrapped up his career with the Yankees. Then, while he was in Chicago to attend Lollapalooza, he had dinner with Cubs owner Tom Ricketts to talk about starting a role as a team ambassador for the Cubs.

Coming back to Chicago Saturday, Rizzo said his message to fans is “thank you for your unwavering support.”

Aside from being a 2016 World Series champion, Rizzo made three All-Star appearances, won four Gold Gloves and a Silver Slugger award.

And he didn’t act like a champion just on the field. Off the field, Rizzo gave back, specifically at Lurie Children’s Hospital through the Anthony Rizzo Foundation.

There is one more thing Rizzo said he wanted to do, and that was to be a fan at Wrigley, which was a goal of his on Saturday. After throwing out the first pitch, Rizzo sat with the fans in the bleachers.

“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,” Ricketts said earlier this week. “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. Who could forget Anthony catching Kris Bryant’s throw from third base for the final out that clinched the series?”