Anthony Rizzo is a professional baseball player from the United States. He is now a first baseman with the ‘New York Yankees of Major League Baseball’ (MLB). After being picked in the sixth round of the ‘2007 MLB Draft,’ he made his ‘MLB’ debut in 2011 with the ‘San Diego Padres.’ He was originally drafted by the ‘Boston Red Sox,’ but was dealt to the ‘San Diego Padres’ following the 2010 season. In 2012, he was dealt back to the ‘Cubs.’ Rizzo became the first player in Chicago Cubs history to have three game-winning RBIs (Run Batted In) in his first five games. He also signed a seven-year, $41 million contract with the ‘Cubs’ in 2013.
In the same year, Anthony Rizzo represented Italy in the ‘World Baseball Classic.’ He made his first ‘All-Star’ appearance in 2014. He also won the ‘All-Star’ honor three times. Among his many honors are the ‘Silver Slugger Award,’ ‘Gold Glove Award,’ and ‘Platinum Glove Award.’ In 2016, he helped his club win their first World Series victory in 100 years, a feat accomplished by the ‘Cubs.’ In this article, we are talking about this player. So, keep reading to know more about him.
Table of Contents
Anthony Rizzo Birth
Anthony Rizzo was born in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on August 8, 1989. His parents, John Rizzo and Laurie Rizzo, are both Italians from the Sicilian village of Ciminna. John Rizzo, Anthony’s older brother, was a lineman for the Florida Atlantic Football Team. In 2007, he attended “Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.” In April 2008, Anthony was diagnosed with Limited State Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma.
Anthony Rizzo Bio
| Name | Anthony Rizzo |
| Birthdate ( Age) | 8 August 1989 |
| Place of Birth | Parkland, Florida, United States |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Wife/Partner | Emily Vakos (m. 2018) |
| Children | Not Known |
| Parents | John Rizzo, Laurie Rizzo |
| Siblings | John Rizzo |
| Profession | American professional baseball first baseman |
| Net Worth | $30 Million |
Anthony Rizzo Career
2007-2011
Anthony Rizzo began playing baseball at ‘Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School’ in Parkland, Florida. Then, the ‘Boston Red Sox’ selected him in the sixth round of the ‘2007 Major League Baseball Draft’. He planned to attend ‘Florida Atlantic University’ before being recruited by the ‘Red Sox’ to accept a $325,000 deal. Rizzo also hit 12 home runs for the ‘Red Sox’ in 2009. He was also dealt to the ‘San Diego Padres’ at the conclusion of 2010 for three-time ‘All-Star’ first baseman Adrian Ganzalez. Other players dealt with Rizzo were Casey Kelly, Reymond Fuentes, and Eric Patterson. In ‘Triple A,’ he began his season against the ‘Tucson Padres.’ He was a non-roster invitee to the ‘2011 Spring Training’ camp.
It was revealed in May 2011 that his Major League debut would be postponed. After 52 games with the ‘Tucson Padres,’ he was ultimately called up to the main leagues.
Anthony Rizzo earned the title of “most famous Padres call-up” since Roberto Alomar debuted with the organization in 1988. On June 9, 2011, he made his debut, hitting a triple and scoring a run against the ‘Washington Nationals.’ The ‘Padres’ beat the ‘Washington Nationals’ 7-3. Then, Rizzo hit his first home run against John Lannan on June 11. After a month, his team demoted him to ‘Triple-A’ after striking out 36 times in 98 at-bats. Then, Rizzo was brought up to the majors in September after finishing his season at ‘Tucson’ with 26 home runs and 101 ‘RBIs’ in 93 games. Then, Rizzo finished the season hitting.141 with 46 strikeouts in 128 at-bats.
2012-2014
Anthony Rizzo was dealt to the ‘Chicago Cubs’ on January 6, 2012, in exchange for Andrew Cashner and Kyung-Min Na. He also began the season with a.342 batting average, 23 home runs, and 62 RBIs, ensuring that his hold on the minor leagues is secure. He also began his career with the ‘Triple-A’ ‘Iowa Cubs,’ but was recalled in June to aid a struggling defense. Around this time, he began to give his all. After Mel Hall in August 1983, he became the first rookie ‘Cub’ to smash seven home runs in a month. He was also the first ‘Chicago Cubs’ player to have three straight game-winning RBIs in his first five games.
He was also voted ‘Rookie of the Month’ in July after ranking second among ‘National League’ rookies in run scoring. In the same month, he led ‘NL’ rookies with 32 hits and 17 RBIs. He also signed a seven-year, $41 million contract with the Cubs in 2013, and was also selected the team’s pick for other accolades and recognitions. During the season, he hit.233 with 23 home runs and 40 doubles in 606 at bats. Then, Rizzo made his first ‘All-Star’ appearance in 2014.
2015-2018
During the 2015 season, Anthony Rizzo appeared in his second ‘All-Star’ game and made his debut in the ‘2015 Major League Baseball Home Run Derby,’ losing in the first round against Josh Donaldson. On September 8, 2015, he became the only member after Don Baylor to be hit by a pitch 30 times, and he blasted his 100th home run. That year, he finished fourth in the NL MVP vote. He also started at first base during the ‘2016 All-Star’ game in 2016. He also garnered the most votes from fans in the ‘National League.’ He also guided his club to its first World Series victory since 1908.
The Cubs went on a seven-game victory run the next season. During the run, Rizzo had 12 hits in 28 at bats with 10 RBIs and hit.430. For the ‘2017 All-Star Game,’ he started at first base for the ‘NL.’ He also became the fourth ‘Cub’ in three seasons to smash 30 home runs, 30 doubles, and 100 RBIs. Unfortunately, Rizzo was placed on the injured list in 2018 owing to a back ailment. On July 23, 2018, he made his first pitch of his career, retiring A.J Pollock of the ‘Arizona Diamondbacks.’ Before the ‘MLB 2013 Season,’ Rizzo represented Italy in the 2013 World Baseball Classic.
Anthony Rizzo Net Worth
Anthony Rizzo net worth is between $30 million. His primary source of income is his professional baseball career. Then, Rizzo’s lucrative job has afforded him some opulent lives and exotic automobile excursions. He is also one of the wealthiest and most powerful baseball players in the United States. Rizzo’s salary is around $12 million in 2022.
Anthony Rizzo Contract
Anthony Rizzo is a $27 million dollar professional baseball player from the United States.
In his professional career, Anthony Rizzo has made $16,500,000 million. Anthony signed a four-year, $41 million contract with the Chicago Cubs that will expire in 2019. In 2019, he earned a total income of $11.285 million, including a base salary of $11 million. Anthony Rizzo committed to a two-year, $32,000,000 contract with the New York Yankees, with $32,000,000 guaranteed and an annual average salary of $16,000,000.
In 2022, Rizzo’s base salary is $16,000,000. Anthony is sponsored by BodyArmor and has his own morning cereal named Rizzo’s. In addition, he owns a $2.4 million home in Parkland, Florida. In 2011, he made his MLB debut with San Diego. He also turned into an All-Star performer after being traded to the Cubs in 2012.
Anthony Rizzo Height and Weight
Anthony Rizzo is a tall baseball player, standing 6 ft 3 in or 190.5 cm tall and weighing 109 kg or 240.5 lbs. His hair is light brown, and his eyes are blue. Many people like his toned form, tall stature, short-cropped hair, nice grin, and clean-shaven appearance. Rizzo also has a muscular frame, measuring 43-33-15 inches.
Anthony Rizzo Age
Anthony Rizzo birthday falls on 8 August every year. He is currently 33 years old.
Anthony Rizzo Wife
Anthony Rizzo’s wife’s name is Emily Vakos. He married her in 2018. On June 1, 2017, Rizzo proposed to his girlfriend Emily Vakos. They met in 2016 while the Cubs were in Arizona for spring training. On December 29, 2018, the pair married, with colleague Kris Bryant serving as one of the groomsmen.
In the year 2020, he and his wife adopted a puppy named Kevin. They reside in a gated community in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. They also lived in Chicago for seven years until leaving in 2021 when Rizzo was dealt. During the 2017 season, Rizzo picked “Tony” as his moniker for the Players Weekend. Moreover, Rizzo announced his positive COVID-19 test result on August 8, 2021.
Anthony Rizzo Weight Loss
“When I came home with (my wife) Emily, I looked in the mirror and thought, ‘I’m either going to gain 50 pounds or I’m going to get back into phenomenal form,'” Rizzo recalled following the Cubs’ first day of Summer Camp. Moreover, Rizzo shed roughly 25 pounds while working with quality assurance coach Mike Napoli during the baseball break.
“I was in pretty terrific form heading into the spring,” Rizzo recalled, “and it was just me and coach Napoli the entire time.” And we basically held each other responsible every day, six days a week, that we were going to get after it, that we had a nice routine, and I believe it paid off. “I’m incredibly excited about this year and this sprint.”
Ian Happ, who shares a locker with Rizzo, said he observed his friend put on smaller clothing on Friday because everything he wore before losing weight was too loose. “Nice to see him reducing, and he looks fantastic,” Happ remarked. “I don’t want to oversell it, but his pop right now — he’s strong.” He’s incredibly powerful.”
Rizzo began hitting everything to the left side of the field during batting practice. This is a ground ball. There was a fly ball there. But after he figured out his timing, he began blasting home runs over the ivy. “Once we get on the field and we’re out there, it’s amazing how quickly you can block everything out and just be Anthony Rizzo the baseball player,” Rizzo said.
Anthony Rizzo Yankees
On July 29, 2021, Anthony Rizzo was dealt to the New York Yankees in exchange for monetary considerations for Alexander Vizcaino and Kevin Alcántara. On July 30, he made his Yankees debut against the Miami Marlins. Rizzo also had an instant impact in only two games, going 4 for 5 with two plus hits, two solo home runs (one in each of his two games), three walks, and five runs total, becoming the first player in team history to accomplish this feat. He also became the first Yankees player in history to reach base eight times (including a hit-by-pitch) and the seventh Yankee to smash a home run in his first two games.
On August 4, 2021, Rizzo hit a single home run against the Baltimore Orioles, becoming the first player in franchise history to RBI in his first six games with the Yankees. He also joined Jim Spencer (1973), Jim Wynn (1974), and Bobby Murcer as the fourth MLB player to have RBIs in his first six games with a new team (1977). Besides, Rizzo hit his 250th home run against the Toronto Blue Jays on September 30. It was a solo blast off starting pitcher Robbie Ray in the sixth inning. He also became the first Yankees player since Derek Jeter to achieve this feat while still on the team.
The Yankees signed Rizzo to a two-year, $32 million contract on March 17, 2022. Rizzo hit a home run in each of the first two games of the season, becoming only the second player in modern history to homer in his first two games with a new team, and again the following season.
Anthony Rizzo Property
During his tenure with the Chicago Cubs, the three-time MLF All-Star had a wealthy lifestyle, owning many homes. One of his first homes was a big 8000-square-foot mansion in Parkland, Florida. A real estate agent offered him this mansion for $2.4 million. Besides, Rizzo had another property in South Florida that he bought after earning his $41 million contract in 2013. According to the Los Angeles Times, he paid $2 million for this property. Rizzo paid $4.5 million for another luxury property in Fort Lauderdale’s Las Olas neighborhood in 2018.
Facts
- First, he likes the ‘Rocky’ films.
- Second, he explained to Vince Lombardi in his high school yearbook: “It’s not if you fall, it’s whether you get up.”
- Then, in 2012, he was dealt to the Cubs.
- Moreover, In April of 2008, he was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
- His birthday falls on August 8 every year.
- In 2012, he established the Anthony Rizzo Foundation. It is a non-profit organization that benefits cancer research and families suffering the disease.
- However, his lucky number is 44.
- He also twerked on Saturday Night Live.
- He admitted to Jimmy Fallon that he shattered his phone during the NLCS but refused to get it repaired out of concern that the Cubs would lose.
- He will also attend Kris Bryant’s wedding.
- Then, in 2012, he became the first player in Chicago Cubs history to have three game-winning RBIs in his first five minutes as a Cub.
- At last, he guided the Cubs to a World Series victory in 2016.
Some Frequently Asked Questions
Did Anthony Rizzo have leukemia cancer?
Hodgkin’s lymphoma is an immune-system-attacking malignancy. In 2016, Rizzo said, “It was absolutely really startling. I was 18 years old and on top of the world, playing professional baseball while my pals were in college. I had no concept of what cancer was or what chemotherapy was.”
What is Anthony Rizzo’s wife’s name?
On June 1, 2017, Rizzo proposed to Emily Vakos. They met during the Cubs’ 2016 spring training in Arizona. On December 29, 2018, the pair married, with colleague Kris Bryant serving as one of the groomsmen. In the year 2020, he and his wife adopted a puppy named Kevin.
Why did Rizzo play for Italy?
Anthony Rizzo played for Italy in the 2013 World Baseball Classic before missing the 2017 games. His great-grandfather was Sicilian. “I come from a really strong Italian family, and to represent the entire country is a fairly fantastic experience,” he remarked.
Where did Rizzo go?
First baseman Anthony Rizzo, who spent last season with the Yankees, agreed to a multiyear contract to return to New York on Tuesday night, according to ESPN’s Jesse Rogers.
What is Anthony Rizzo’s net worth?
Anthony Rizzo net worth is between $30 million. His primary source of income is his professional baseball career. Then, Rizzo’s lucrative job has afforded him some opulent lives and exotic automobile excursions. He is also one of the wealthiest and most powerful baseball players in the United States. Rizzo’s salary is around $12 million in 2022.
Why did Rizzo retire?
Rizzo has indicated that his decision to retire stems from a loss of desire after more than five years of competitive Rocket League play. His competitive desire has waned too much for him to continue playing with delight. Then, Rizzo’s departure also marks the end of the professional Rocket League scene’s longest-running tandem.
Why did Anthony Rizzo pitch?
“He wanted to go up against Freddie,” Ross said of Rizzo. “That helped to brighten the atmosphere a little.” Rizzo’s outing began with an easy ground out to first base by pinch hitter Johan Camargo.
