Anthony Rizzo: Swapping the Bat for the Ambassador’s Role

Anthony Rizzo, an admired player in Major League Baseball, relished his final moments before retirement at New York’s renowned Yankee Stadium. This occurred on a warm evening of September 9, 2025, a date that will go down in the annals of sport history. The towering presence of Rizzo was caught on the stadium’s colossal Jumbotron, deeply engaged in an everyday human activity — enjoying a chilled Bud Light beer. He was in the delightful company of his beloved wife, Emily Vakos, and their precious little boy, who had made his way into the world earlier that summer.

That eventful evening, the baseball giants, the New York Yankees, were engaged in a fierce battle on the diamond against the Detroit Tigers. However, the Tigers outclassed their opponents, taking home a resounding victory with a 12-2 scoreline. Despite the unfortunate loss for the Yankees, the stadium echoed with cheers when Rizzo’s amiable face made an unexpected appearance on the Jumbotron.

As Rizzo basked in the warm applause, little did anyone know that a significant announcement was just around the corner. In the small hours of the following day, September 10, the Chicago Cubs dropped a bombshell. They declared the retirement of their longtime player, Rizzo, from Major League Baseball, marking an end to his illustrious playing career.

However, Rizzo’s association with the Cubs won’t end with his retirement. He was set to don a new avatar, transitioning from a player on the field to an ambassador of one of the most cherished clubs in the United States. As an ambassador, the expectation was that Rizzo would use his years of experience and popularity to drive the promotional and outreach activities of the Cubs.

Looking back at Rizzo’s career, he donned the Yankees’ jersey for a significant stint from 2021 to 2024. But ahead of the 2025 season, the Yankees opted not to extend his $17 million contract. Consequently, they agreed to a $6 million buyout, thus allowing Rizzo to explore the free agency market.

Known for his charming demeanor and spirit for the game, Rizzo spent the last night before his retirement announcement in the heart of the Bronx at the Yankee Stadium. Accompanied by Emily and their offspring, he sipped on his beer and reveled in the thrills of the game one last time, not as a player but as a dedicated spectator. He responded to the love showered by the crowd in the form of laughter, smiles, and greetings.

The next morning, the Cubs confirmed Rizzo’s retirement, emphasizing that one of their most successful players would retire wearing a Cubs jersey. Rizzo had a successful journey with the Cubs, a stint that spanned over a decade, starting from when he made the move from the San Diego Padres in 2012.

Rizzo’s love affair with the city of Chicago was intense and profound; he had become an integral part of the city’s sports culture. Everyone seemed to appreciate his hard work masked behind his affable grin. His pivotal role in the Cubs’ historical 2016 World Series win earned him a protected spot in the hearts of Chicago’s die-hard sports fans.

Speaking of numbers, the scoreboard during the celebrated 2016 World Series vividly depicted his attacking prowess. Rizzo was the top player, driving in as many as 109 runs, the maximum by any player on the team that season. His amazing career trajectory featured him as a three-time All-Star and a deserving recipient of four Gold Glove Awards, a testament to his skills as a first baseman.

While Chicago was where he found professional glory and success, it also proved to be the city that blessed him with personal joy. Anthony Rizzo and Emily Vakos first crossed paths during his time with the Chicago Cubs. The captivating player found more than just baseball glory in the city; he found the love of his life.

The couple decided to enter an official partnership in June 2017, marking their engagement. As the winter sets in December 2018, they exchanged vows and embarked on their journey of togetherness. The dashing player’s love story added a romantic charm to his already illustrious career.

In early 2025, Rizzo announced another round of happy news. The couple was preparing to welcome a new member into their family. They were expecting their first baby, a moment of joyous anticipation and a new beginning for the lovable pair.

In the spirit of ensuring privacy and serene moments, the couple decided not to make their child’s birth a public spectacle. From reliable sources, it is known that the couple was blessed with the birth of their baby during the hot summer.

The sight of the Rizzo family at the Yankee Stadium during Rizzo’s final match as a spectator was heartwarming. The contentment and joy on their faces as they basked in the fanfare and cheer were indicative of a new chapter in their lives.

After 14 substantial seasons of displaying his sports excellence, Rizzo made the decision to move on from his active sports career. In a career spanning over a decade, Rizzo spent exhilarating times with the Padres, the Cubs, and the Yankees, creating countless memorable moments.

Having hit 303 home runs and driving in 965 runs, Rizzo leaves behind an exceptional career legacy in Major League Baseball. As he treads into the world of retirement, he embraces a new chapter in his life. Along with being a loving husband and doting father, Rizzo will now serve as an ambassador for his beloved team, the Chicago Cubs, closing one chapter and being ready to pen another.