History of Anthony Rizzo in Timeline
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.
1908: First World Series Title since 1908
In the 2016 World Series, Anthony Rizzo scored 7 runs and had 5 RBIs, helping the Cubs win their first World Series title since 1908.
1945: First World Series appearance since 1945
After an extremely slow start in the postseason, Rizzo broke out of his slump in the NLCS. He was an integral part of the last three victories over the Los Angeles Dodgers and led the Cubs to their first World Series appearance since 1945.
1973: Jim Spencer's RBIs
In 1973, Jim Spencer became one of the MLB players with RBIs in his first 6 games with a new team.
1974: Jim Wynn's RBIs
In 1974, Jim Wynn became one of the MLB players with RBIs in his first 6 games with a new team.
1977: Bobby Murcer's RBIs
In 1977, Bobby Murcer became one of the MLB players with RBIs in his first 6 games with a new team.
August 1983: Compared to Mel Hall
In July 2012, Anthony Rizzo hit seven homers, the most by a Cubs rookie in a calendar month since Mel Hall hit nine in August 1983.
1988: Compared to Roberto Alomar's debut
In May 2011, Rizzo was called up to the majors after hitting .365 with 16 home runs and 63 RBIs in 52 games in Tucson. The San Diego Union-Tribune called Rizzo "the most celebrated Padres call-up" since Roberto Alomar debuted with the team in 1988.
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.
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.
2007: Drafted by the Boston Red Sox
In 2007, Anthony Rizzo was selected by the Boston Red Sox in the sixth round of the MLB draft, becoming a top minor league prospect.
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.
2008: Plays for Greenville Drive
In 2008, at the age of 18, Anthony Rizzo played in Class A with the Greenville Drive in the South Atlantic League, hitting .373 with 0 home runs and 11 RBIs in 83 at-bats.
December 6, 2010: Traded to the Padres
On December 6, 2010, Anthony Rizzo, along with Casey Kelly, Reymond Fuentes, and Eric Patterson, was traded to the San Diego Padres for Adrián González. Rizzo was highly regarded as a top prospect, and Padres' GM Jed Hoyer anticipated him potentially becoming the team's starting first baseman.
2010: Strong Performance in High-A and Double-A
In 2010, Anthony Rizzo hit a combined .260 with 42 doubles, 25 home runs, and 100 RBIs between High-A Salem and Double-A Portland, crediting adjustments to his swing for his power surge.
2010: Traded to the San Diego Padres
In 2010, Anthony Rizzo was traded to the San Diego Padres along with three other prospects in exchange for All-Star first baseman Adrián González.
May 2011: Potential MLB Debut Delayed
In May 2011, despite Anthony Rizzo's strong performance in Triple-A with the Tucson Padres (.452 with 6 home runs and 24 RBIs in 15 games), The San Diego Union-Tribune reported that his MLB debut might be delayed due to cost considerations and the team wanting him to gain more experience.
June 9, 2011: MLB Debut with the Padres
On June 9, 2011, Anthony Rizzo made his MLB debut against the Washington Nationals, striking out in his first at-bat but hitting a triple and scoring a run in a 7–3 victory for the Padres.
July 21, 2011: Demoted to Triple-A
On July 21, 2011, Anthony Rizzo was demoted back to Triple-A after struggling with a .143 batting average and 1 home run in 98 at-bats.
December 2011: Alonso Ahead of Rizzo
In December 2011, Yonder Alonso moved ahead of Anthony Rizzo on the team's depth chart after he was acquired by the Padres in a trade for Mat Latos.
2011: MLB Debut
In 2011, Anthony Rizzo made his Major League Baseball debut with the San Diego Padres.
January 6, 2012: Traded to the Chicago Cubs
On January 6, 2012, Anthony Rizzo and Zach Cates were traded by the Padres to the Chicago Cubs for Andrew Cashner and Kyung-Min Na. The deal was orchestrated by Jed Hoyer, who had previously drafted and acquired Rizzo.
2012: Started with Triple-A Iowa Cubs
Anthony Rizzo started the 2012 season with the Triple-A Iowa Cubs. He performed well, batting .342 with 23 home runs and 62 RBIs before being called up by the Cubs on June 26 to boost their struggling offense.
2012: Future with the Padres uncertain
At the end of 2011, it was believed that Anthony Rizzo would be the starting first baseman for the Padres in 2012.
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 12, 2013: Signed Seven-Year Contract
On May 12, 2013, Anthony Rizzo agreed to a seven-year, $41 million contract with the Cubs, including club options that could extend it to nine years and $73 million. He was also named the Cubs finalist for the national Heart and Hustle Award and the Roberto Clemente Award.
2013: Rizzo plays for Italy in World Baseball Classic
In 2013, Anthony Rizzo chose to play for Italy in the World Baseball Classic due to his family's origins in the Sicilian town of Ciminna before the MLB season.
2014: All-Star Game Appearance
In 2014, Anthony Rizzo appeared in the All-Star Game, marking the first of three consecutive appearances.
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.
September 8, 2015: 100th Career Home Run and 300th RBI
On September 8, 2015, Anthony Rizzo hit his 100th career home run and 300th RBI against Cardinals pitcher Michael Wacha.
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.
2016: All-Star and Gold Glove Year
In 2016, Anthony Rizzo started as the first baseman at the All-Star game after receiving the most fan votes in the National League. He also became the first left-handed player in Cubs history to hit over 40 doubles and 30 home runs in the same year, leading to a Gold Glove Award and a fourth-place finish in MVP voting. Rizzo also won the Esurance MLB Award for "Best Social Media Personality" and for "Best Play: Defense", and the Silver Slugger award.
2016: World Series Title with the Cubs
In 2016, Anthony Rizzo won a World Series title with the Chicago Cubs.
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.
August 2017: Foundation Gift to Lurie Children's Hospital
In August 2017, the Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation announced a $3.5 million gift to the Lurie Children's Hospital in Chicago, bringing its total donations to the hospital to more than $4 million.
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.
2017: Roberto Clemente Award Recipient
In 2017, Anthony Rizzo was named the recipient of the Roberto Clemente Award for his charity's work to find a cure for childhood cancer.
2017: Lead-Off Hitter and All-Star Game
In 2017, Anthony Rizzo was placed in the lead-off spot for the Cubs and reached base in the first inning in his first seven games as a leadoff hitter. He finished second in voting for starting NL first baseman in the 2017 All-Star Game. Rizzo also became the fourth Cubs player to hit at least 30 home runs, 30 doubles, and 100 RBIs in three or more seasons.
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.
April 10, 2018: Placed on Disabled List
On April 10, 2018, Anthony Rizzo was placed on the disabled list for the first time in his MLB career due to a back issue.
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.
2018: Gold Glove Award
Anthony Rizzo finished his 2018 campaign batting .283 with 25 home runs and 101 RBIs in 153 games, and was 3rd in the major leagues in hit by pitch, with 20. Tied for Gold Glove Award votes with Atlanta Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman, Rizzo received the award for the second time in his career.
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.
2019: Third Gold Glove Award
In 2019, Anthony Rizzo hit .293 with 27 home runs and 94 RBIs. He also received his third career Gold Glove Award.
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.
November 15, 2020: 9th Annual Walk-Off for Cancer
On November 15, 2020, The Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation hosted its 9th Annual Walk-Off for Cancer and raised more than $850,000.
2020: Rizzo and Vakos adopt Kevin
In 2020, Anthony Rizzo and his wife Emily Vakos adopted a dog, which they named Kevin.
2020: Rizzo's performance in shortened season and Gold Glove Award
In the shortened 2020 season, Anthony Rizzo played in 58 games, achieving a .222/.342/.414 hit line, with 11 home runs, 24 RBIs, and 3 stolen bases. Also in 2020, Rizzo received his fourth Gold Glove Award, marking his third consecutive win.
July 29, 2021: Rizzo Traded to Yankees
On July 29, 2021, Anthony Rizzo was traded to the New York Yankees along with cash considerations in exchange for Alexander Vizcaíno and Kevin Alcántara.
2021: Cubs pick up Rizzo's contract
After the 2020 season, the Chicago Cubs picked up the last year of Anthony Rizzo's seven-year, $41 million contract, paying him $16.5 million for the 2021 season.
2021: Traded to the New York Yankees
During the 2021 season, Anthony Rizzo was traded by the Cubs to the New York Yankees.
2021: Rizzo moves out of Chicago Apartment
In 2021, after being traded, Anthony Rizzo and his wife moved out of their Chicago apartment, where they had resided for seven years.
March 17, 2022: Yankees Sign Rizzo to Contract
On March 17, 2022, the Yankees signed Anthony Rizzo to a two-year, $32 million contract. He then hit a home run in each of the first two games of the season.
November 7, 2022: Rizzo Exercises Opt Out Clause
On November 7, 2022, Anthony Rizzo exercised an opt-out clause in his contract and became a free agent.
November 15, 2022: Rizzo Signs $40 Million Contract with Yankees
On November 15, 2022, Anthony Rizzo signed a two-year, $40 million contract with the Yankees, including an option for the 2025 season.
2022: Signed with the Yankees
Following the 2022 season, Anthony Rizzo signed a two-year contract with the New York Yankees, including a club option for a third year, as a free agent.
May 28, 2023: Rizzo Injured in Game Against Padres
During a game against the San Diego Padres on May 28, 2023, Anthony Rizzo was injured after a collision with Fernando Tatís Jr., resulting in a neck injury and a subsequent decline in his batting performance.
June 18, 2024: Rizzo Placed on Injured List with Broken Arm
On June 18, 2024, Anthony Rizzo was placed on the injured list after suffering a broken arm in a collision with Boston Red Sox pitcher Brennan Bernardino.
2025: Yankees Decline Rizzo's Option
After the Yankees lost the 2024 World Series, the Yankees declined Anthony Rizzo's $17 million option for the 2025 season, paying him a $6 million buyout instead, making him a free agent.
2025: Contract Option
In November 15, 2022, Anthony Rizzo signed a two-year, $40 million contract with the Yankees, including an option for the 2025 season.
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