Early Life and Education of Anthony Rizzo: A Complete Timeline

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Anthony Rizzo. From birth to education, explore key events.

Anthony Rizzo is a professional baseball first baseman, currently a free agent. He has played in MLB for the San Diego Padres, Chicago Cubs, and New York Yankees. Known for his offensive abilities and defensive skills at first base, Rizzo is a multiple-time All-Star and Gold Glove winner. He was a key member of the Chicago Cubs team that won the 2016 World Series, breaking a 108-year drought. Rizzo is also known for his philanthropic work, particularly his efforts to support cancer research through his Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

August 8, 1989: Anthony Rizzo's Birth

On August 8, 1989, Anthony Vincent Rizzo was born. He is an American professional baseball first baseman and is currently a free agent.

Others born on this day/year

2007: Drafted by Red Sox and Minor League Debut

In 2007, Anthony Rizzo was drafted in the sixth round of the Major League Baseball draft by the Red Sox out of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School and signed for $325,000, foregoing Florida Atlantic University. He began his minor league career at 17 with the Gulf Coast League Red Sox, batting .286 in 21 at-bats.

April 2008: Rizzo Diagnosed with Hodgkin Lymphoma

In April 2008, Anthony Rizzo was diagnosed with limited state classical Hodgkin lymphoma. He underwent chemotherapy for six months.

September 2, 2008: Rizzo's Cancer in Remission

On September 2, 2008, Anthony Rizzo's doctor informed him that his cancer was in remission, although he still had six weeks of treatment and follow-up testing remaining.

2012: Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation Founded

In 2012, the Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation was founded as a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization to benefit cancer research and families fighting the disease.

May 15, 2015: Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation Cook-Off For Cancer

On May 15, 2015, The Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation hosted its 3rd Annual Cook-Off For Cancer and raised more than $270,000.

November 15, 2015: Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation Walk-Off for Cancer

On November 15, 2015, The Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation hosted its 4th Annual Walk-Off for Cancer and raised more than $200,000 for pediatric cancer research and providing support to children and their families.

June 2, 2016: Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation Cook-Off For Cancer

On June 2, 2016, The Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation hosted its 4th Annual Cook-Off For Cancer and raised more than $630,000.

December 11, 2016: Anthony Rizzo Day and Walk-Off for Cancer

On December 11, 2016, the 5th annual Walk-Off for Cancer raised more than $500,000 by The Anthony Rizzo Foundation. Broward County Commissioner Michael Udine proclaimed that day to be Anthony Rizzo Day in Broward County, and Rizzo's old high school officially retired his jersey, Number 7.

2016: Rizzo met his future wife

Anthony Rizzo met Emily Vakos when the Cubs were in Arizona for spring training in 2016.

June 1, 2017: Rizzo Proposes to Emily Vakos

On June 1, 2017, Anthony Rizzo proposed to his girlfriend, Emily Vakos. They had met in 2016 when the Cubs were in Arizona for spring training.

December 3, 2017: 6th Annual Walk-Off for Cancer

On December 3, 2017, Anthony Rizzo and his foundation hosted its 6th annual Walk-Off for Cancer and raised $960,000 for families battling cancer. Net proceeds from the event benefited Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital, the University of Miami Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, and provided grants to families battling cancer.

February 15, 2018: Rizzo's Speech at Parkland Vigil

On February 15, 2018, Anthony Rizzo delivered an emotional speech at the vigil for the school shooting victims in Parkland, Florida. He is a graduate of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School and a longtime Parkland resident. Rizzo met with survivors before a game with the Marlins where he helped donate $305,000 to the National Compassion Fund.

December 2, 2018: 7th Annual Walk-Off for Cancer

On December 2, 2018, The Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation hosted the 7th Annual Walk-Off for Cancer which raised $1.1 million. The funds went to the Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital, the University of Miami Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, and families battling cancer.

December 29, 2018: Rizzo and Vakos get married

On December 29, 2018, Anthony Rizzo and Emily Vakos were married. Kris Bryant, Rizzo's teammate, served as one of the groomsmen.

May 27, 2019: 7th Annual Cook-Off For Cancer

On May 27, 2019, The Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation hosted its 7th Annual Cook-Off For Cancer and raised $1.8 million for cancer patients and their families.

November 24, 2019: 8th Annual Walk-Off for Cancer

On November 24, 2019, The Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation hosted its 8th Annual Walk-Off for Cancer and raised more than $1.35 million.

January 16, 2020: 6th Annual Laugh-Off for Cancer

On January 16, 2020, The Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation raised close to $500,000 to help families battling cancer during its 6th Annual Laugh-Off for Cancer.

February 2020: Rizzo donates to Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School

In February 2020, Anthony Rizzo donated $150,000 to Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School to help pay for the school's lights for its baseball and softball fields. His high school unveiled the new baseball field which will be known as Anthony Rizzo Field.