Ex-Cubs Star Anthony Rizzo Steals Spotlight Catching Home Run in Wrigley Field Bleachers

CHICAGO — In a memorable scene at Wrigley Field, former Chicago Cubs star Anthony Rizzo snagged a piece of history, as he retrieved the ball from current first baseman Michael Busch’s solo home run during the Cubs’ 6-2 triumph over Minnesota. This event unfolded in the iconic right-field bleachers where legends are often celebrated.

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Although Rizzo missed catching Busch’s 12th home run of the season in the air, he adeptly stretched behind to pick it up off the concrete. He triumphantly lifted the ball high for the crowd to see, holding a young boy on his shoulders in a heartwarming gesture.

Prior to the game, Rizzo, a revered three-time All-Star who spent a decade with the Cubs, participated in the unveiling of the “Champions Gate.” This 31-foot wide arch on Wrigley Field’s western side marks the 10th anniversary of the team’s 2016 World Series victory, a momentous occasion in Cubs history.

Meanwhile, Busch was unaware of the former Cubs icon’s involvement with his home run ball until catcher Miguel Amaya, who contributed two RBIs with a double in the second inning, passed on the news.

Reflecting on the moment, the significance wasn’t lost on the 28-year-old Busch. The scene of a former slugging first baseman recovering the home run ball of the current one resonated deeply. Busch, who hit 34 homers last year, stood in awe of Rizzo’s record, with the elder first baseman having notched 242 home runs during his tenure with Chicago and a total of 303 over his career.

“I thought that was super, just like mind-blowing,” Busch said. “Who knows how things work out, but I thought that was pretty cool.

“Just the 2016 team, what they did for this city and the championship that they brought was obviously a big deal,” Busch added. “You could just tell from the fans how much they were loved and how much joy they brought to the city. And then Rizzo was kind of a cornerstone for them.”

Rizzo hit .292 with 32 homers and 109 RBIs in the 2016 regular season, then went on to add three homers and 10 RBIs in the postseason as the Cubs ended a 108-year championship drought.

Team owner Tom Ricketts, 2016 manager Joe Maddon and Rizzo addressed the crowd in a ceremony that included some 20 players from team. Maddon and the players returned to the field before the game and right-hander Kyle Hendricks threw a ceremonial first pitch.

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