WATCH: Anthony Rizzo receives huge round of applause on return to Cubs' Wrigley Field in Yankees uniform
It was a memorable moment on Friday for three-time All-Star Anthony Rizzo. The veteran first baseman returned to Wrigley Field for the first time since being traded to the New York Yankees in 2021.
It was an emotional moment for Rizzo and his family as the former Cubs star received a standing ovation from the thousands of fans in attendance for Friday's game.
Rizzo spent the first 10 years of his MLB career with the Cubs, earning several accolades in the process, most notably winning the World Series for the team in 2016.
Along with other staples on the roster at the time such as Kris Bryant, Javier Baez, and Kyle Schwarber, they helped break an unfathomable 108-year drought and etch their names in Chicago history.
For Rizzo, who was traded to the New York Yankees in the summer of 2021, the return to Wrigley Field was clearly a heartwarming one as he saluted the Cubs faithful.
A four-time Gold Glove Award winner, Anthony Rizzo played in 1,308 games for the Chicago Cubs. At the end of the celebration, Rizzo can be seen hugging his family, with his father, John Rizzo, visibly wiping tears from his eyes. To quote Brad Pitt from the movie Moneyball, "How can you not be romantic about baseball?"
Anthony Rizzo will be looking to secure his second World Series this season
Despite the emotions behind Friday's pre-game ceremony, the Rizzo and the New York Yankees will be looking to continue their push for the postseason. Even though the Bronx Bombers are one of the top teams in the MLB right now, the job is not finished yet, particularly for Rizzo, who is looking to find his form again.
The 35-year-old has been limited to only 74 games this season after suffering a broken arm earlier this year. For both the Yankees and the first baseman himself, Rizzo will need to rediscover his All-Star form and produce behind Aaron Judge and Juan Soto.