"I thought it was a prank" - Anthony Rizzo's wife Emily Vakos on surprise marriage proposal in 2017
Anthony Rizzo and his wife Emily Vakos often trend on social media as they share pictures and videos of themselves expressing their love for one another.
While the two lovebirds have enjoyed a fruitful marriage, their story wasn’t always this perfect.
"Happy birthday to my best friend @vakosem.. You are my perfect person!" - Anthony Rizzo, Instagram
In an interview with Splash in 2017, the couple opened up about how they first met. Back in 2016, Anthony was a part of the Cubs' spring training and Vakos was interning with the Cubs' nutrition team at the same time.
Anthony made the move quickly and asked for her number. Vakos, however, gave him a fake one. She wasn’t interested in dating him, at least until her internship was over.
trib.in/2qMcE83Anthony Rizzo knew Emily Vakos was his “soulmate.” He just had to pick the right time to propose in the right way… 🎆trib.in/2qMcE83
"Anthony Rizzo knew Emily Vakos was his “soulmate.” He just had to pick the right time to propose in the right way… trib.in/2qMcE83" - Chicago Tribune, Twitter
Rizzo wasn’t deterred and continued pursuing her.
“I was relentless,” he said.
They eventually started dating and Anthony popped the question in June, much to Vakos' surprise.
Luckiest guy in the world! She said YES. Future Mr. & Mrs. Rizzo 💍 https://t.co/93YPymdoJU
“I thought it was a prank,” she said.
And the rest is history! The couple tied the knot on December 29, 2018, and have been happily married for almost four years now.
"One year down and forever to go! Happy anniversary to my best friend @rizzoem. I love you! Being married to you is the absolute best feeling in the world!" - Anthony Rizzo, Instagram
Anthony Rizzo's time in the MLB
The 33-year-old Rizzo is a veteran of the league. Selected by the Boston Red Sox in the sixth round of the 2007 MLB draft, Rizzo shone as he was deemed a top minor-league prospect. He was, however, traded to the Padres in the 2010 season and made his debut in MLB in 2011.
Rizzo went on to play for the Chicago Cubs, and most recently, the New York Yankees, where he is currently stationed.
Rizzo has appeared in three All-Star Games and has won the Silver Slugger, Gold Glove and Roberto Clemente awards, as well as the 2016 World Series with the Cubs.
"Can you keep saying this is the best year of my life? Cause this has 100% been the best year of my life hands down!" - Anthony Rizzo, Instagram
A legend in his own right, Rizzo looks nowhere close to finished.