Cubs 1B Rizzo speaks at Florida high school, site of shootings

[February 16, 2018]  Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo departed spring training in Arizona on Thursday to speak in a vigil at Parkland, Fla., one day after at least 17 people were shot to death at his former high school.

Rizzo has remained closely attached with Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School since graduating in 2007. 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'm a baseball player, but I'm also an American. 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."

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.

 

"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.

--Field Level Media

[© 2018 Thomson Reuters. All rights reserved.]

Copyright 2018 Reuters. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.  Thompson Reuters is solely responsible for this content.