Millions of people around the world are still in shock and grieving over the horrific and tragic shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida on Wednesday. The senseless and disgusting act of 19-year old Nikolas Cruz which claimed the lives of 17 innocent souls has made people angry, sad, scared, confused and empty. Among the many people grieving and helping the community of Parkland is Chicago Cubs first baseman, Anthony Rizzo.

The baseball star graduated Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in 2007 and since has been involved with the school.

He recently donated $150,000 to the school to improve their athletic facilities including their baseball field. After the tragedy on Valentine's Day, Rizzo left spring training in Arizona to be with his family, friends, and members of the Parkland community. During his visit, he was present at the vigil and gave an emotional speech which has captured the attention of social media users.

Rizzo's emotional speech

Thursday evening at the vigil, he gave a speech which was posted on social media by several outlets. The room was dark with candlelight as he spoke about the horrific acts of violence and how he was affected by the tragedy. He did not hold back from getting emotional, and his words have been an inspiration to many already.

"I just want all of you to know how proud I am to be part of this community," Rizzo said. "We're all grieving with you. The entire country is grieving with you. So whatever comfort I can give, I will give. - I grew up in Stoneman Douglas, I played on those fields, I went to those classes. - We see this on TV too often."

These were just some of the words in the emotional speech he gave.

He also added that the cycle of horror, grief, and helplessness when these tragedies occur is something that needs to motivate everyone to prevent these tragedies from happening. The fact that we as humans think it cannot happen to us until it actually happens to us is an even scarier fact. When he described who he was and his relation to the community of Parkland, he simply used the words, "I know something has to change." No doubt his words reflect the views of many before more innocent lives are lost.

More important things than baseball

Rizzo leaves spring training to help out with this matter. It is a big time in baseball as players are reporting for camp and training has begun. The Cubs were fully supportive of Rizzo leaving to be with this community in light of this awful tragedy. He has been given all the time he needs to be in Florida. It is unsure how long he will be there, but he has already made a big impact there.

Anthony Rizzo will eventually return to camp and get ready for the 2018 season.

After losing in the NLCS last year, he and his team look to return to the promise land and win another World Series. It will likely be very tough for him to move on from this, which is understandable. A big props to Mr. Rizzo for his efforts with Parkland during this awful time.
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