Big Rizz, Bigger Heart
Anthony Rizzo wins 2017 Roberto Clemente award for all of his charitable work
Finally, something for Cubs fans to be happy about this week. Super-star and face of the franchise Anthony Rizzo has won the 2017 Roberto Clemente award. The Roberto Clemente award is seen as one of the highest honors that could be bestowed on a baseball player. It is awarded to the player that best exemplifies the game of baseball, sportsmanship, community involvement and the individual’s contribution to his team”
Anthony Rizzo started the Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation, a foundation that focuses on cancer research, in 2012 after having his own battle with cancer while he was with the Red Sox organization. Since coming to the Cubs, Rizzo has brought his foundation to Chicago and has touched the lives of many in just a few short years.
Rizzo makes monthly visits to Lurie Children’s Hospital where he meets with children who are battling the same battle he did just 9 short years ago. Earlier this year, Rizzo donated 3.5 million dollars to Lurie Children’s Hospital and in total has donated over 4 million dollars to the hospital.
This award finally recognizes and makes it known to people everywhere what all Cubs fans already knew: Anthony Rizzo is an outstanding human being. His competitiveness and passion on the baseball field isn’t just his desire to win. Its for people who have been affected by cancer to see that you can overcome this horrible disease as long as you keep fighting. To inspire people to keep carrying out their dreams and never take anything for granted.
It is important for us to recognize how big of a deal this award truly is because it recognizes Anthony for his hard work on the field also for the desire and dedication to help others and give back to the community. It is exceptionally rare to have an athlete of Anthony Rizzo’s caliber, an MVP caliber player year in and year out, that makes millions every year to give back in the extent that Rizzo has. Many players get greedy and take their money to the bank but Anthony Rizzo uses his to make a positive impact on other people. That is incredibly special and should be recognized extensively.
Anthony Rizzo, you are an amazing person and that is the reason why we all love you. On behalf of Cubs fans everywhere and us here at Wrigley Rapport, congratulations and thank you from the bottom of our hearts! Keep doing what you’re doing!
Stephen Sciaraffa is currently a student at Dominican University in River Forest, Illinois. Born in Chicago, Stephen spends his free time following the Cubs and taking in games at beautiful Wrigley Field with his dad. You can add him on twitter here
