Chicago Cubs: Ranking the top five greatest Anthony Rizzo moments

Anthony Rizzo is one of the greatest Chicago Cubs players of the decade, so it seems appropriate to discuss the biggest moments of his career thus far.

It’s hard to think of a more important player for the Chicago Cubs this decade than first baseman Anthony Rizzo. The highly flexible, slugging first baseman and souvenir company partner has been with the team through their highest of highs and lowest of lows, coming in clutch whenever the team needed a big hit.

Rizzo is the last remaining remnant from the rebuilding Cubs teams, debuting in 2012 after being traded from the Padres. Since then, he has been a franchise icon, arguably becoming the Mr. Cub of the modern age (subscription required). Thus far, he has appeared in three All-Star Games and received MVP votes every year from 2014 to 2018. He has racked up 217 home runs in a Cubs uniform and played in 1,158 games with the team.

Of course, throughout those games, there are a few moments that stand out. Rizzo’s performance on the field has created magical moments at Wrigley Field and beyond that cemented his place as arguably the top player on the North Side this decade.

First, there is one ground rule. I’m limiting these moments to on-field moments. As much as I could point to his good deeds that earned him a Roberto Clemente award in 2017, his appearance on Beer Money alongside now manager David Ross, and introducing the Bryzzo Souvenir Company alongside corner infielder-in-crime Kris Bryant, I want to focus on the performance side of things. With that out of the way, let’s look back on some of the best moments from Rizzo’s career thus far.