CHICAGO (AP) — The cheers started when Anthony Rizzo was introduced with the starting lineup for the New York Yankees.
It was only the beginning.
Rizzo was saluted with multiple standing ovations Friday in his first game back at Wrigley Field since the first baseman was traded by the Chicago Cubs to New York in July 2021.
“This was definitely circled on the calendar for me, my family, all my friends,” Rizzo said before the game.
Rizzo played for Chicago for nine-plus seasons, becoming one of the team’s most popular players during a wildly successful run for the franchise. He hit .272 with 242 homers and 784 RBIs in 1,308 games for the Cubs, making the NL All-Star team three times and winning four Gold Gloves.
With Rizzo, Kris Bryant and Javier Báez anchoring a strong lineup, along with Jon Lester and Kyle Hendricks starring on the mound, Chicago won the 2016 World Series for the franchise’s first championship in 108 years.
“This is a special place to play,” Rizzo said. “Anyone who’s played here will say the same thing.”
The Cubs paid tribute to Rizzo with a pregame video that highlighted his achievements on and off the field, including his work with pediatric cancer patients at Lurie Children’s Hospital. The crowd started cheering when the video started, and it picked up intensity when it was over.
Rizzo popped out of the visitors’ dugout and acknowledged the prolonged ovation by holding his hat in the air in appreciation. He ran out to the outfield grass and waved to the fans in the bleachers before beginning to loosen up for the game.
Before Rizzo came to the plate for the first time leading off the second inning, the Cubs played his walk-up music from his time with the team. There was another loud standing ovation, and a smiling Rizzo took off his batting helmet and waved to the crowd.
“He’s an iconic player for them,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said. “Was one of the central key figures in bringing a world championship here after so many years of coming up short.”
The 35-year-old Rizzo estimated he had about 40 to 50 tickets for the game for family and friends.
“It’s been a fun few years for me personally, playing in New York, loving the Yankees,” Rizzo said. “To come back here, I’ll enjoy every second.”
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