A tearful Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo spoke at a candlelight vigil in Parkland, Florida on Thursday after leaving spring training in Arizona to return to his former high school, where 17 people were shot to death earlier in the week.
In addition to offering his support to his home town, the 2007 graduate of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School also pleaded for change, although he stopped short of specifically calling for gun control.
‘I grew up in Stoneman Douglas,’ Rizzo said while holding back tears. ‘I went to Stoneman Douglas, I went to those classes.’
‘I’ve been very impressed with talking to the students and how they’re taking care of each other and how they’re coming together.
‘I’m a baseball player, but I’m also an American,’ the emotional Rizzo continued. ‘I’m a Floridian and a Parklander for life. While I don’t have all the answers, I know something has to change before this is visited on another community and another community and another community.’
Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School alum Anthony Rizzo spoke at Thursday’s vigil in Parkland Florida. The Chicago Cubs first baseman tearfully pleaded for ‘change’
Rizzo has remained closely attached to the Parkland area. He makes his home in the area and recently donated $150,000 to pay for lights at the school’s baseball field.
‘I grew up in Stoneman Douglas,’ Rizzo said. ‘I played on those fields. I went to those classes. I studied in those classrooms, the same ones we saw in all those videos yesterday for all the wrong reasons.
‘I am only who I am because of this community and I just want you to know how proud I am of being part of this community,’ he continued.
People attend a candlelight vigil for the victims of the Wednesday shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, in Parkland, Florida on Thursday
Anthony Rizzo teared up while speaking Thursday: ”I want you to know that you’re not alone in your grief. We’re all grieving with you, the entire country is grieving with you’
‘I want you to know that you’re not alone in your grief. We’re all grieving with you, the entire country is grieving with you. So whatever cover I can give, I will give.’
His comments expanded on the sentiments he tweeted on Wednesday after the tragedy.
‘Parkland and Coral Springs please stay strong! This is out of control and and our country is in desperate need for change. I hope In this darkest of times back home this brings everyone together and we can find love. You’re all in my prayers,’ Rizzo wrote.
Chicago outfielder Albert Almora Jr. didn’t see Rizzo before he departed spring training, but the Miami native has ties to the same area and is well aware of Rizzo’s affinity for the area.
The Cubs’ Anthony Rizzo, a graduate of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, fought through tears as he delivered a heartfelt speech at a vigil held for Wednesday’s shooting victims. pic.twitter.com/ZJcdgqMkRy
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) February 16, 2018
‘I know he went to hit there [at the school] a couple times this offseason,’ Almora said. ‘It’s an awful situation. The only thing we can do now is come together. We’re all here for Anthony and for that school and all those families.’
Cubs manager Joe Maddon, speaking to MLB.com, said he told Rizzo, ‘What are the proper words now except that we’re there for you, whatever you need let us know, we’ll try to help.
‘The entire nation is feeling the brunt of all this. When we heard about this (shooting), you felt awful and that hollow feeling. You just imagine your own kids or your family or anyone you know being involved in that, and it’s getting way too familiar.’
Rizzo is expected back at the Cubs’ spring training complex in Mesa, Ariz., prior to Monday’s reporting date for position players. He had been an early arrival at spring training.
A cancer survivor, Rizzo previously donated $3.5 million to Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago through his charity back in May.
‘As a survivor of cancer myself, I know the emotional and financial strain the diagnosis of cancer can put on a family,’ Rizzo said in a statement at the time. ‘I believe that an individual does not battle cancer alone, his or her entire family does. That’s why we’ve designated this money to go directly to help families on the front lines.’
After being drafted by the Boston Red Sox in 2007 and traded to San Diego before the 2011 season, Rizzo became one of the game’s most feared sluggers after arriving in Chicago in 2012. He has hit least 31 home runs in each of his last four seasons and in 2016, he helped the Cubs to win their first World Series since 1908.