The Cubs fans were hit with a wave of nostalgia and feelings as news broke of a team cornerstone officially walking away from the game. After seasons of speculation related to his future, the Cubs confirmed that their beloved 2016 World Series champion would retire, and this decision quickly sent ripples across the MLB. For fans, it is not just the end of a career; however, it is the closing of an unforgettable chapter in the Cubs’ history.

Anthony Rizzo, the heart of the 2016 championship team, will be hanging up Rizzo’s cleats after a 14-year MLB career. Identified as the “de facto captain” of the team’s golden era, Rizzo was more than just a power bat and elite defender; the star was a leader, a fighter and the symbol of the Cubs’ resurgence. Rizzo’s data speaks for itself: three All-Star selections, four Gold Gloves, and a Silver Slugger. However, it was Rizzo’s availability at Wrigley Field that cemented Rizzo as a Chicago icon.

Jesse Rogers from ESPN said, “News: Anthony Rizzo is retiring as a Cub and will be honored this Saturday at Wrigley Field. He’ll also become an ambassador for the organization. The defacto captain of the 2016 World Series team has returned.” The team itself confirmed the declaration with an Instagram post that read: “CHICAGO CUBS MEDIA RELEASE – ANTHONY RIZZO TO RETIRE AS A MEMBER OF THE CHICAGO CUBS AND JOIN ORGANIZATION AS TEAM AMBASSADOR. RIZZO OFFICIALLY ANNOUNCES HIS RETIREMENT FROM BASEBALL AFTER A 14-YEAR MAJOR LEAGUE CAREER—INCLUDING 10 YEARS WITH THE CUBS.”

Tom Ricketts praised the legend as “the face of one of the most successful eras in Cubs history.” He highlighted how Rizzo caught Kris Bryant’s throw for the final out in Game 7 of the 2016 World Series and acknowledged the situation as an unforgettable moment in MLB history. However, Rizzo’s impact cannot be solely assessed by his wins and highlights; his work with the Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation has raised millions for cancer research and remains as effective as his on-field numbers.

For the fans, the news carried mixed feelings: sadness but joy in knowing Rizzo will remain part of the team as an ambassador. In a way, his story with the team is far from over; it is simply going to a new chapter. As Rizzo joins Andre Dawson and Fergie Jenkins in illustrating the team off the field, fans can rest assured that the connection between him and Wrigley Field will never be broken.

While the Cubs’ announcement was filled with accolades, it is the fans’ response that truly reflects the star’s impact

Fans flood social media with heartfelt farewell to Anthony Rizzo

“I’ll give him credit, he was a good player, especially with the 2016 Cubs. That team was stacked and he was a huge part of it,” one fan said, highlighting Rizzo’s place in the greatest team in MLB history. The data support the sentiment: across a 14-year career, he compiled 303 home runs, 965 RBI, and a .261 batting average in 6,288 at-bats, and it has solidified his reputation as a face of the Cubs’ golden era.

Another fan tried to highlight the tone of the day with a simple message: “Well deserved!! That’s a great legacy.” And it is hard to argue. Rizzo’s effect extended well beyond the data, shaping the identity of a team that went from reconstruction to rewriting history. From being the face of the 2016 championship run to serving as an elite clubhouse leader, the legend’s legacy is one that the Cubs fans will adore for decades to come.

“Great Job Rizzo ❤️,” a fan said, highlighting admiration and gratitude. That applause looks specifically fitting when paired with his awards: a four-time Gold Glove Award winner in 2016, 2018, 2019, and 2020, 2016 Platinum Glove recipient, three-time All-Star, and a Silver Slugger. Beyond such hardware, Rizzo also won the prestigious 2017 Roberto Clemente Award for special charitable activities, further evidence that the legend’s contributions stretched far past Wrigley Field.

“Congrats on a great career,” another fan said. His statement echoed a sentiment that resonated throughout MLB. Rizzo’s capability to produce at an elite level for over a decade, while battling through injuries and adversity, says how resilient he was. After his trade to the Yankees, the Cubs never stopped claiming him as their own, and the legend’s homecoming as an ambassador only enhances that bond.

Perhaps the most heartfelt reaction came from a fan who wrote: “Rizzo wasn’t just a player, he was a clubhouse leader, a fan favorite, and a symbol of perseverance.” That line perfectly shows his remarkable voyage. From beating Hodgkin’s Lymphoma as a teenager to becoming the first major puzzle piece in Theo Epstein’s rebuild, Rizzo incorporated determination. His story topped off in 2016, when he helped lift the Cubs to their first championship in 108 years, a prodigious run where his leadership was as crucial as his bat.

In the end, the fans’ voices tell the most authentic version of Anthony Rizzo’s legacy. His stats, awards, and rings will forever define him statistically, but the impact he left on Wrigleyville and the city of Chicago runs remarkably. As he transitions into his ambassador role, Cubs fans know one thing for certain: Anthony Rizzo may have retired from the game, but his place in their hearts is everlasting.