Chicago Cubs center fielder Ian Happ praised the work of Anthony Rizzo and his foundation, who sponsored hundreds of kids to come to Wrigley Field when the New York Yankees played the Cubs last week. Happ and Rizzo formed a great friendship while playing in Chicago before Rizzo moved to New York in 2021.
The Yankees first baseman founded the Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation in 2012. It is a non-profit organization that raises money for cancer research and supports kids and families battling cancer.
On Thursday's edition of The Compound, Happ talked about the great work done by Rizzo.
[17:30] "On the off day, he went to Lurie's Children's Hospital and did visits with some of the patients there. Then, his foundation brought out like 200 kids. I don't know if it was just on Friday or throughout the weekend, but they do such a good job.
"They were huge in Chicago, they've obviously expanded into New York now, but they continue to do great work in Chicago. He did great fundraisers when he was here [at the Cubs], and it was always a big event during the season. He continues to make a huge impact."
Ian Happ talks about Anthony Rizzo's emotional return to Wrigley Field
Former Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo made an emotional return to Wrigley Field as the New York Yankees travelled to the windy city to play the Cubs in a three-game series. Rizzo played a key role when the Cubs won the World Series in 2016.
Talking about the rousing reception Rizzo received, Happ said:
"Really cool to see Rizz come back. The reception, the video, the fans' appreciation for him was really a special thing."
The trip to Chicago ultimately proved successful for Rizzo and the Yankees, as the visitors won the series' first two games before the hosts avoided the sweep with a victory in the final game.
The Cubs bounced back from the disappointing series loss at home by winning their next series against the Dodgers in Los Angeles.
For their next games on Friday, Rizzo and the Yankees take on the Boston Red Sox at Yankee Stadium, while the Cubs head to Denver to take on the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field.