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Cubs News

‘You’re always gonna be a Cub’: Cubs fans welcome back Anthony Rizzo

1 month agoTony Andracki

This will be an emotional and nostalgic weekend at Wrigley Field.

Not only will Chicagoans see a rarity with two of MLB’s most historic teams (Cubs, Yankees) squaring off at the cathedral that is Wrigley Field.

But it’s also the return of some key Cubs figures – Kerry Wood, Aramis Ramírez and Anthony Rizzo.

Wood and Ramírez are in town for the Cubs Hall of Fame celebration over the weekend as the newest members to receive the honor.

Rizzo will have his place in the Cubs Hall of Fame someday but for now, he’s still chasing another World Series ring with the Yankees.

For the first time since he was traded to the Yankees back in July 2021, Rizzo will make his return to Wrigley Field and get a chance to interact with Cubs fans back in Chicago.

Rizzo was the face of the franchise for a decade with the Cubs from 2012-21, playing more than 1,300 regular season games and then another 39 playoff games in a Cubs uniform.

Of course, Rizzo was a central part of the team that ended a 108-year championship drought, hitting .360 in the World Series and catching the final out from Kris Bryant in Game 7.

Cubs fans have been waiting more than 3 years to welcome back one of the most beloved figures in franchise history.

“We miss you,” said one fan.

“Thank you,” said another.

Rizzo has spent the last 3-plus years with the Yankees but that won’t stop Cubs faithful from cheering for him.

He should get a heck of an ovation Friday afternoon.

“Cubs fans will never forget you,” one fan said. “You did great for the team. No matter what uniform you’re gonna be wearing for the rest of your career, you’re always gonna be a Cubs player to us. Thanks a lot.”

[WATCH: Cubs fans welcome back Anthony Rizzo]

Cubs fans also reflected back on Rizzo’s top moments and what he meant to the fanbase.

One fan believes Rizzo belongs in the same breath as players like Ron Santo and Mark Grace.

“I talk to a lot of older Cubs fans and they talk about Santo and Grace and guys like that,” a fan said. “And for me and a lot of younger Cubs fans, Anthony is really one that made you have that passion to be a Cubs fan.”

For Rizzo’s part, he holds a special place in his heart for Cubs fans.

“I think that door will always be open in Chicago,” Rizzo told the AP. “The amount of respect I have for the fan base there, and the love I have for them and the Cubs.”

Catch the entire video of fans welcoming back Rizzo on the Marquee Sports Network app.

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