44

This is an Anthony Rizzo appreciation post.

 

Tony returned to the Friendly Confines today for the first time since he was traded to the Yankees and received several well-deserved standing ovations from the Wrigley faithful.

Rizzo was the heart and soul of the team during the best stretch of Cubs baseball in 100 years.  During his ten-year tenure on the North Side, the Cubs made the playoffs five times, including two runs to the NLCS and, of course, a World Series title.

A three-time All-Star, he won three Gold Gloves and a Silver Slugger while pacing the Cubs with an .861 OPS and a 130 OPS+. He hit 30 or more home runs four times and also drove in at least 100 RBI four times.

It's a shame that the Cubs' inept front office traded him, as his 2022 and 2023 replacements paled by comparison and just one of the two prospects they received in that trade are still in the Cubs organization (Kevin Alcantara, AAA).

 

That aside, it was great to see Rizzo back in Chicago, where, at least among the fans, he is a Cub for life.

 

Image Credit:  Audacy

 

--

 

The Cubs Magic Number to win the NL Central is 32.

The Cubs Magic Number to earn an NL Wild Card berth is 27.

141 games down, 21 to go.

Go Cubs go!