He may not be playing in the World Series this year, but Anthony Rizzo keeps adding to his trophy collection this October. Today it was announced that the 28-year old baseball star had won the Roberto Clemente Award for his charity work this past season. Rizzo accepted his award at Minute Made Park in Houston before game three of the World Series between the Dodgers and Astros.
Rizzo and his family have worked hard for the past few years to raise money to fight pediatric cancer. He and his organization, the Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation, have raised and donated millions of dollars to hospitals and medical centers that treat cancer patients this past year.
One of his most notable acts took place back in August when he donated $3.5 million to the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital.
Rizzo's award-winning season
In addition to his generous donation to the Laurie Children's Hospital, Rizzo has made numerous visits to kids over the season. Rizzo is a cancer survivor himself, and that is what began his mission to fight the disease. He was only in his teens when he was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma in 2008, and therefore knows what it is like to battle cancer at a young age.
One of his biggest fans was a girl named Mia, who sadly passed away just a few days ago. During Mia's fight, he visited her and gave her jerseys, hats, shirts, and autographs.
After her passing, Rizzo posted his condolences on Twitter and showed how much he cared for her.
Another special fan of his is a boy named Ethan, who got a surprise from Rizzo while getting treatment. Ethan's surprise was made part by both the Rizzo Foundation and American Airlines, as he got a free trip with his family to watch the Cubs in the NLDS against the Nationals in Washington D.C.
He has many other young fans fighting the battle with cancer, and his donations and fundraisers help all of them.
In total the Rizzo Family Foundation has given over $4 million to cancer programs this past year.
.@RizzoFoundation and @AmericanAir teamed up to surprise a brave young fan. #ThatsCub pic.twitter.com/zR01kUkUUO
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) October 9, 2017
Heartbroken. We lost an incredible girl this morning. Mia you were a warrior until the end. You will be missed but never forgotten. pic.twitter.com/gaOfRly9Xh
— Anthony Rizzo (@ARizzo44) October 25, 2017
Accepting the award
Rizzo expressed his gratitude to Major League Baseball for the award.
Present with him in Houston was his family, fiance and Chicago Cubs GM Jed Hoyer. He was recognized on the field before game three of the World Series as he was presented with the trophy that bears the statue of one of baseball's greatest all-time players.
Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred praised Rizzo for his visiting of so many kids by saying, "More important, though, than any of those support activities is Anthony's personal involvement with kids." Once again, Rizzo took to Twitter, this time to express his gratitude for receiving the Roberto Clemente Award.
Incredibly honored and humbled to receive the Roberto Clemente award. This award means more to my family and I than I could ever express. pic.twitter.com/oxhSvEz8Ms
— Anthony Rizzo (@ARizzo44) October 27, 2017