When the schedule was released for the 2024 season, the Chicago Cubs knew one series in particular would be a popular ticket. Yes, it is special anytime the New York Yankees come to town. The two most historic franchises facing off in one of the most historic stadiums would interest the most casual fan. But this year, the matchup will mean more. Long-time Cub and 2016 hero Anthony Rizzo will return to the North Side of Chicago for the first time since being traded.
It feels like an eternity has passed since that strange Thursday afternoon in July 2021. The Cubs had just lost their third straight game to the Cincinnati Reds. Before departing for the airport to head to Washington, D.C., Rizzo was called into Jed Hoyer’s office and given the news of his trade. He spent some time saying goodbye to his teammates and Wrigley Field.
Adding Rizzo was one of the first moves Theo Epstein made when rebuilding the Cubs, and it paid off immensely. His eight full seasons (and two part-seasons) with the Cubs saw a .272 average with 242 home runs. He was the Cubs’ captain, creating and coming through in clutch moments. Moment after moment, he showed up and always represented the Cubs well.
After a series in San Francisco against the Giants and before returning home to New York, Rizzo caught up with the media. One reporter asked if Rizzo knew the significance of September 6th. He’s not much of a poker player because his face gave away the answer.
“‘We’re going back to Wrigley,’ Rizzo said with a confident smile.”
Mark Gonzales via the Chicago Sun Times
Anthony Rizzo Knows When He Gets To Return To Wrigley
When asked what the day September 6th meant, Anthony Rizzo’s face transformed into a big smile, as he knew exactly what it meant. The New York Yankees are making their way to Wrigley Field for the first time since 2017. This will be Rizzo’s first time back since the trade.
Rizzo acknowledged that the Yankees (and hopefully the Cubs) will be in the middle of a playoff race, but he said the weekend will be fun and special. The Yankees are off the Thursday before the game. Rizzo has hinted that he will take the day to walk around and see the neighborhood he still holds near and dear to his heart. But he also said thinking about that weekend at this point of the season is not right.
Rizzo is in the middle of a tough start in 2024. He missed the last couple of months of 2023 due to a lingering concussion, but he says his struggles have nothing to do with that. He knows that as the weather heats up, so too does his production. He’s not worried at all.
Although he denies it, we know Rizzo is thinking about his return to Wrigley Field to play the Cubs. He loves this city just as much as the city loves him. The weekend will be filled with emotion and reminiscing on the greatest era of Cubs baseball we’ve ever seen. It is one of the most anticipated reunions in Cubs history.
