Anthony Rizzo's Success and Achievements in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 19, 2026

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Anthony Rizzo.

Anthony Rizzo is a prominent Major League Baseball first baseman known for his leadership and consistent performance. After being drafted by the Boston Red Sox, he gained significant recognition during his long tenure with the Chicago Cubs, where he played a pivotal role in the team's historic 2016 World Series championship. A three-time All-Star, Rizzo is widely respected for his defensive prowess, having earned multiple Gold Glove Awards, and his offensive contributions as a reliable power hitter. Beyond his on-field achievements, he is highly regarded for his charitable work through the Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation, which supports families battling cancer, a cause close to him following his own successful recovery from Hodgkin lymphoma early in his career. Currently playing for the New York Yankees, Rizzo remains one of the most recognizable and respected figures in professional baseball.

Sections (4)

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

1908: Pre-2016 World Series Title Benchmark

The year 1908 served as the reference point for the Chicago Cubs' long-standing championship drought, which was finally ended by the team in 2016.

1945: Cubs World Series Drought Context

In 1945, the Chicago Cubs last appeared in a World Series prior to their 2016 breakthrough, marking a significant historical benchmark for the team.

August 1983: Mel Hall's Cubs Rookie Milestone

In August 1983, Mel Hall set a record by hitting nine home runs, a benchmark for most home runs by a Chicago Cubs rookie in a single calendar month that Anthony Rizzo was compared against during his own successful July rookie performance.

2010: Breakout Performance in Salem and Portland

Throughout 2010, Rizzo saw a significant increase in production while playing for High-A Salem and Double-A Portland, finishing with 25 home runs and 100 RBIs, which he attributed to mechanical adjustments in his swing.

2011: MLB Debut

In 2011, Anthony Rizzo made his official debut in Major League Baseball as a member of the San Diego Padres.

2012: Call-up to the Chicago Cubs

During the 2012 season, Anthony Rizzo performed exceptionally well with the Triple-A Iowa Cubs, recording a .342 batting average, 23 home runs, and 62 RBIs, leading to his recall by the Chicago Cubs on June 26, 2012, to bolster the team's struggling offense.

May 12, 2013: Contract Extension and Awards Nominations

On May 12, 2013, Anthony Rizzo signed a seven-year contract extension with the Chicago Cubs worth $41 million. During this period, he was recognized as a finalist for both the National Heart and Hustle Award and the Roberto Clemente Award, and he achieved a 2nd place finish for the Gold Glove award for first basemen.

2015: 2015 Major League Baseball Season Milestones

During the 2015 season, Anthony Rizzo achieved several career milestones, including his second consecutive All-Star Game appearance, his debut in the Home Run Derby, and reaching the 100 home run and 300 RBI marks. He also led the league in hit-by-pitch instances, joined the exclusive 30HR-30HBP club, placed 4th in NL MVP voting, and received the MLBPAA Heart and Hustle Award.

2015: Recipient of Heart & Hustle Award

In 2015, Anthony Rizzo was recognized for his outstanding performance and dedication on the field by receiving the Heart & Hustle Award.

2016: Anthony Rizzo's Historic 2016 Season and All-Star Selection

In 2016, Anthony Rizzo began as the starting first baseman for the National League in the All-Star game after securing the most fan votes. Throughout the 2016 season, he achieved significant milestones, including becoming the first left-handed player in Cubs history to record over 40 doubles and 30 home runs in a single year, finishing with 32 home runs and 43 doubles. His performance earned him a Gold Glove Award, a fourth-place finish in the National League MVP voting, and nominations for the Marvin Miller Man of the Year and Roberto Clemente Awards.

2016: World Series Victory and Award Sweep

In 2016, Anthony Rizzo led the Chicago Cubs to their first World Series title since 1908, while also earning multiple accolades including the Silver Slugger, Platinum Glove, Fielding Bible Award, Wilson Defensive Player of the Year, and Esurance MLB Awards for social media and defensive play.

2016: World Series Championship Victory

In 2016, Anthony Rizzo played a pivotal role in leading the Chicago Cubs to win the World Series championship.

2018: 2018 Season Performance and Gold Glove Award

During the 2018 season, Anthony Rizzo maintained a .283 batting average with 25 home runs and 101 RBIs across 153 games, while also ranking third in the major leagues with 20 hit-by-pitch occurrences. He concluded the 2018 season by earning his second career Gold Glove Award, tying in votes with Freddie Freeman.

2019: 2019 MLB Season Performance and Gold Glove Award

During the 2019 MLB season, Anthony Rizzo maintained a strong offensive performance with a .293 batting average, 27 home runs, and 94 RBIs, while also leading the league in times hit by a pitch with 27. Additionally, he was recognized for his defensive excellence by receiving his third career Gold Glove Award in 2019.

2020: 2020 MLB Season Performance and Gold Glove Award

During the shortened 2020 MLB season, Anthony Rizzo played 58 games with a .222/.342/.414 slash line, 11 home runs, 24 RBIs, and 3 stolen bases, additionally earning his fourth Gold Glove Award, which marked his third consecutive win.

2024: Final Professional Season

The year 2024 marked Anthony Rizzo's third season with the New York Yankees, which also served as his final professional season and saw his last appearance in the World Series.