Anthony Rizzo’s World Series Ring Rescued from Lake Michigan by Scuba Diver Yohei Yamada
The 2016 season will forever be etched in the hearts of Chicago Cubs fans. It marked the end of a 108-year World Series drought as the Cubs triumphed over the Cleveland Guardians in a thrilling 4-3 series. The city erupted in celebration, and the players basked in the joy of their long-awaited victory. The following year, they were presented with their coveted World Series rings, many choosing to wear them proudly instead of stashing them away for safekeeping.
A Ring Lost to the Waters
However, wearing such precious jewelry comes with risks, and Anthony Rizzo learned that lesson the hard way during a recent outing on Lake Michigan. After shedding some weight, Rizzo found himself in a precarious situation while washing his hands on the boat. As he dried off, his World Series ring slipped off his finger and sank into the depths of the lake.
In a moment of urgency, Rizzo reached out to Yohei Yamada, a Chicago-based scuba diver known for his expertise in retrieving lost items from the water. Yamada was well aware of the monumental task ahead of him, as the vast expanse of Lake Michigan could easily be likened to searching for a needle in a haystack.
The Challenge of Recovery
Yamada, in a recent conversation with Block Club Chicago’s Mack Liederman, recounted the daunting challenge. “Rings are the hardest to find,” he noted, illustrating just how difficult it can be to locate a small object in such a massive body of water.
Despite the odds, Yamada was determined to recover Rizzo’s cherished ring. Armed with his scuba gear and a resolute spirit, he plunged into the chilly waters, searching for the piece of jewelry that held significant sentimental value for the Cubs first baseman.
A Joyful Reunion
To Rizzo’s immense relief and delight, Yamada successfully retrieved the World Series ring, restoring it to its rightful owner. In gratitude for the scuba diver’s efforts, Rizzo rewarded Yamada with a few crisp $100 bills—a small token of appreciation for a job well done.
But Rizzo’s ring was not the only valuable treasure Yamada has fished from the depths of Lake Michigan. He recounted another remarkable recovery, where he dove into the water to retrieve a man’s $30,000 Rolex watch, showcasing his talent for locating lost valuables in the unforgiving lake.
The saga of Anthony Rizzo’s ring serves as a reminder of both the joy of sports victories and the unexpected challenges that come with cherishing keepsakes. Thanks to the bravery and skill of Yohei Yamada, a piece of Cubs history has been returned to its rightful place, shining brightly once again.
