Anthony Rizzo
A charismatic leader and defensive stalwart at first base who was the heart of the Chicago Cubs team that broke a 108-year World Series curse.
Born 1989 (age 37)·American baseball player·Birthday: August 8·Millennials
Biography
Anthony Rizzo arrived in Chicago not just as a player, but as a catalyst for a cultural shift. Acquired from the San Diego Padres in 2012, he became the steady, smiling face of a Cubs rebuild that seemed like a perpetual promise. His left-handed power provided crucial offense, but his true value was measured in Gold Glove defense at first base and an intangible leadership that galvanized a young clubhouse. In 2016, his embrace of the team's underdog status—famously declaring the Cubs had ‘the best 25 guys’—helped steady a franchise and its fans through a tense postseason, culminating in the historic World Series win over Cleveland. Rizzo's impact transcends baseball. A survivor of Hodgkin's lymphoma diagnosed in his minor league days, he channeled his experience into philanthropy, founding a foundation that raises millions for cancer research and family support. His career, marked by consistency and compassion, made him a beloved figure far beyond Wrigley Field.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Anthony was born in 1989, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Anthony Was Born
The biggest hits of 1989
#1 Movie
Batman
Best Picture
Driving Miss Daisy
#1 TV Show
Roseanne
Anthony's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1989Born
Berlin Wall falls; Tiananmen Square protests
Gas: $1.00/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Look Away" — ChicagoBest Picture: Driving Miss Daisy
1994Started school
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
2002Became a teenager
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2005Could drive
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2007Could vote
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2010Turned 21
Deepwater Horizon oil spill; iPad launched
Gas: $2.79/galHome: $147,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Tik Tok" — KeshaBest Picture: The King's Speech
2019Turned 30
First image of a black hole; Hong Kong protests
Gas: $2.60/galHome: $224,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Old Town Road" — Lil Nas XBest Picture: Parasite
2026Age 37 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Played a central role in the Chicago Cubs' 2016 World Series championship, ending a 108-year title drought for the franchise.
- Founded the Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation, which has raised millions of dollars for cancer research and support for families affected by the disease.
- Won four Gold Glove Awards for his defensive excellence as a first baseman (2016, 2018-2020).
- Was a three-time National League All-Star selection (2014-2016).
- Received the prestigious Roberto Clemente Award in 2017 for his charitable work and community service.
Did You Know?
He was originally drafted by the Boston Red Sox in 2007 and was part of the trade that sent Adrian Gonzalez to Boston.
Rizzo and his wife donated $3.5 million to the Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital in Florida.
He famously performed a 'victory belt' celebration with teammate David Ross during the 2016 World Series run.
He hit his first major league home run off of San Francisco Giants pitcher Tim Lincecum.
““We’re too young. We don’t care about 108 years. We’re the best team in baseball, and we’re going to show it.””
