CHICAGO -- Anthony Rizzo was merely taking in a game at Wrigley Field on Saturday. Sitting in the right-field bleachers alongside his teammates from the 2016 World Series champions -- who earlier helped dedicate a brand new Champions Gate monument outside the stadium -- the three-time All-Star likely assumed his day was done.
That changed only a few batters into the game.
In the bottom of the first inning of Chicago’s 6-2 win over the Twins, first baseman Michael Busch blasted a solo shot out to right. With a 101.6 mph exit velocity, the Statcast-projected 402-footer was a no-doubter off the bat. But to everyone on hand, the surprise was less about whether the ball would get over the wall and more about who ended up coming up with it.
The ball just so happened to land right at the feet of Rizzo, who hoisted it up along with his young son while the rest of his 2016 teammates cheered him on. Ben Zobrist, who took home MVP honors during the Cubs’ World Series win, yelled in disbelief next to Rizzo, who could do nothing but shrug. It wasn't the first time a ball has been hit his way in the bleachers, either.
It was yet another highlight from a busy day for the former Chicago first baseman, who helped dedicate the Cubs’ new stadium monument as part of a week-long reunion of the 2016 champs. Rizzo gave a speech before unveiling the Champions Gate, which features a bronzed image of him celebrating with his teammates at the end of Game 7. After taking the field for pregame ceremonies, Rizzo and his teammates headed out to the bleachers, seemingly bringing an end to their participation in the day’s highlights.
But, as they say in baseball, the ball will find you. Especially when you’re on hand to celebrate one of the biggest moments in franchise history.