Rizzo bids farewell as a Cub, a legend’s career impacted by untimely concussion in bittersweet MLB exit
On a poignant Wednesday morning, the baseball world learned that Anthony Rizzo, the Chicago Cubs icon, is hanging up his cleats, choosing to retire as a Cub. Rizzo’s legacy in Chicago is indelible, highlighted by his pivotal role in the Cubs’ long-awaited World Series victory in 2016. His time with the team solidified him as a beloved figure in the city’s storied baseball history. However, a trade to the New York Yankees in 2021 marked a new chapter, one that would ultimately be marred by injury and challenges that cut his Major League career short.
A Career Shaped by Glory and Adversity
Rizzo’s time in the Big Apple was not without its struggles. During a game against the San Diego Padres on May 28, 2023, he suffered a collision with star player Fernando Tatis Jr. while playing first base. Initially, the Yankees downplayed the incident, attributing Rizzo’s absence from the lineup to a “stiff neck.” But as the weeks progressed, it became clear that this injury was far more serious.
On August 3, 2023, the Yankees placed Rizzo on the injured list due to post-concussion syndrome, a decision that raised eyebrows and sparked discussions among fans and analysts alike. Aaron Boone, the Yankees’ manager, expressed his regrets regarding the handling of Rizzo’s injury. “I think you have regret if something doesn’t get diagnosed right away,” Boone said. His words resonate deeply, reflecting the complex nature of concussion management in sports.
The Struggles Following the Collision
The aftermath of the collision was starkly evident in Rizzo’s performance. Between the injury on May 28 and his eventual placement on the injured list in August, Rizzo played 46 games, a stretch during which he batted a meager .172 with a dismal .496 OPS over 169 at-bats. This was a significant drop from his pre-injury numbers; in the 53 games prior to the collision, Rizzo boasted a .304 batting average and an .880 OPS across 204 at-bats. The contrast was jarring, and it was clear that Rizzo was not the formidable player he once was.
When Rizzo returned for the 2024 season with the Yankees, the struggles continued. He appeared in 92 games, managing only a .228 batting average and a .637 OPS. The signs of decline were unmistakable, and the once-dominant first baseman was nowhere to be found.
A Bittersweet Departure
As the 2024 season concluded, Rizzo faced an uncertain future. After a disappointing year, he went unsigned in free agency, and the Yankees chose to move on from the player who had once brought so much joy to Cubs fans. The lack of interest from other teams signified the harsh reality of sports, where injuries can irrevocably alter the trajectory of a career.
Reflecting on Rizzo’s departure, it’s impossible to overlook the impact of his concussion and how it may have accelerated the end of a remarkable career. While he leaves the game with the respect and admiration of fans, the bittersweet nature of his exit serves as a reminder of the fragility of athletic greatness. Rizzo’s legacy as a Cub is secure, but the memories of what could have been linger in the minds of those who watched him play.
