As Anthony Rizzo stepped onto the hallowed grounds of Wrigley Field today, it marked not just another reunion but perhaps the final farewell to the team that broke the most famous curse in sports history. For Cubs fans, seeing Rizzo in a different uniform stirs up a cocktail of emotions—joy for a hero’s return, sadness over his departure, and nostalgia for the magic of 2016.
Rizzo, who was traded to the New York Yankees in July 2021, returned to the Friendly Confines for the first time since his departure. The first baseman was more than just a player; he was the heart and soul of the Cubs during his tenure, embodying the grit and determination that fueled the team’s journey to the World Series title in 2016. His leadership, both on and off the field, made him a beloved figure in Chicago, and his trade marked the end of an era for the Cubs.
Anthony Rizzo Makes Emotional Return to Wrigley Field
But today, was about more than Rizzo’s individual legacy. His return symbolizes a poignant closing of the chapter on that fabled 2016 squad. With Rizzo’s departure, the Cubs have been gradually dismantling the core that led them to the promised land. Kris Bryant, Javier Báez, Kyle Schwarber, Jake Arrieta—all gone, their names are now echoes in the hallways of Wrigley. The trade of Willson Contreras last offseason, who was the last key piece left from that historic run, felt like the final nail in the coffin.
The Cubs played Anthony Rizzo’s walk-up music for him and the fans gave him another loud standing ovation pic.twitter.com/bRCMbvfVOX
— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) September 6, 2024
Unsurprisingly, fans greeted Rizzo with a hero’s welcome, reflecting on the countless memories—like his first career pitching appearance or his hug with Kris Bryant that sealed the World Series victory. His time in Chicago, however, is no longer just a recent memory but a tale of the past, cherished by those who witnessed it and remembered for generations to come.
Yet, while Rizzo’s return may feel like a somber moment of closure, it’s also an opportunity for celebration. A chance to remember the good times, to honor a player who gave everything to the city, and to acknowledge the end of a journey that brought joy to countless fans. Today, Wrigley Field will become a time capsule, transporting fans back to the days when the Cubs were baseball’s darlings, the ultimate underdogs who defied the odds.
A New Era
With a new generation of Cubs looking to write their own story, Rizzo’s visit is a reminder of what once was—a chapter that is now coming to a close. The Cubs are rebuilding with fresh faces like Pete Crow-Armstrong, Alexander Canario, and Jordan Wicks, aiming to replicate the success of the past. But for many fans, the echoes of 2016 still reverberate, and seeing Rizzo back at Wrigley, even just for one series, brings those memories flooding back.
When Rizzo took his place on the field today, Cubs fans rose to their feet, offering applause that reflects more than just appreciation for a player. They were cheering for an era, one that lifted a curse and forever altered the landscape of baseball in Chicago. Anthony Rizzo’s return to Wrigley Field closes the book on the 2016 Cubs, but it also opens the door for what comes next.
The Rizzo chapter may be ending, but the story of the Chicago Cubs continues.
