Former MLB slugger Anthony Rizzo recently announced his retirement from the sport of baseball towards the end of 2025. Rizzo notably spent his best years with the Chicago Cubs, where he helped the team end its 108-year drought, winning the 2016 World Series. The last team Rizzo played for before retiring was the New York Yankees, a perfect end, as it pays tribute to his upbringing in North Jersey.
Rizzo was not born in Lyndhurst, New Jersey, as he grew up in Florida, though his parents had deep roots in the Garden State. Despite moving, Rizzo and his family would routinely return to the Meadowlands for holidays and vacations. His time spent in the region and close family connections, has made him a beloved member of the community.
His presence is so great in Lyndhurst, that he even has his own ice flavor at the Lyndhurst Pastry Shop. The “Anthony Rizzo”, which is a mixture of Yum-Yum vanilla and chocolate ice, honors the baseball player who has become a hometown hero, despite never living there. Rizzo would frequent the shop during trips to Lyndhurst as a kid, making his emergence as one of the town’s most beloved figures a full-circle moment.
After calling it quits on his 14-year MLB career, Rizzo will still hold an integral role in the world of baseball. Rizzo is set to join NBC as part of the broadcasting company’s MLB coverage team. He will possess a role on the network’s studio show as a lead MLB analyst, where he is set to make appearances on “Sunday Night Baseball” broadcasts, Opening Day and certain postseason games.
Upon announcing his retirement, Rizzo was seen as a prime candidate for many broadcasting companies due to his vibrant personality. As one of the most beloved players in the MLB over the past decade, Rizzo drew much interest, as he easily connected with millions of fans. While his playing career may have come to an end, he will continue to be a familiar face for fans tuning into the game and remain a key voice for the game of baseball.
NBC will be broadcasting MLB games for the first time since 2000, following a recently-signed three-year media rights deal. As the broadcasting company returns to the sport following a two-decade plus break, Rizzo will be one of the key figures leading the broadcasts.