Yankees first baseman Anthony Rizzo, a former star for the Chicago Cubs, has his sights set on retiring in New York, despite the emotional pull of returning to Wrigley Field. Rizzo, who spent nine seasons with the Cubs and was a key figure in their 2016 World Series triumph, made his first trip back to his former home since being traded to the Yankees in 2021.
“I really hope to retire as a Yankee,” Rizzo said ahead of the Yankees’ Friday game against the Cubs, marking a significant moment in his career as he returned to Wrigley with a new chapter underway.
Aiming to finish his career in New York
Anthony Rizzo’s ambitions to retire in pinstripes reflect his deep connection to his current team. Since his 2021 trade, he has embraced the opportunity to play in New York and signed a two-year, $40 million contract in 2022, with a club option for 2025. The first baseman has repeatedly expressed his appreciation for the Yankees organization and the chance to play in one of baseball’s most storied stadiums.
“Playing at Yankee Stadium is something I wish every player could experience,” Rizzo said, emphasizing how the trade revitalized his career and reignited his passion for the game.
Emotional return to Wrigley
Returning to Wrigley Field, where Rizzo became a fan favorite, was a bittersweet moment for the veteran. Cubs fans greeted him with cheers and a standing ovation, a tribute to his lasting legacy in Chicago. The team honored Rizzo with a pregame ceremony, featuring a montage of his greatest moments in a Cubs uniform, including the final out of their historic 2016 World Series win.
While he took time to acknowledge the love from Cubs fans, Rizzo remains focused on his future in New York. The nostalgia of Wrigley Field was met with the reality of his current journey with the Yankees, a path he hopes will lead to finishing his career in pinstripes.
As Anthony Rizzo looks ahead, his desire to retire as a Yankee continues to drive him. His return to Chicago was a moment to reflect on his past, but his future, he believes, lies in New York.
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