Cancer Survivor Anthony Rizzo Makes a Touching Pre-Game Gesture Before Smashing Two Homers and Saving the Night

New York Yankees’ star first baseman Anthony Rizzo can boast of several qualities. Not only is he a talented baseball player, but also won the World Series with the Chicago Cubs in 2016. In addition, Rizzo is also popular for his philanthropic efforts and is a regular contender for the Heart and Hustle award. But another thing that not many know about him is that the 33-year-old is a cancer survivor.

When he was just starting his professional baseball journey, the Rizzo family received the devastating news that he had Hodgkin’s lymphoma. He received chemotherapy treatment for six months before the doctors announced his remission. Affected by his own experience, he founded the Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation benefiting cancer research. The Yankee player also regularly interacts with kids battling this malignant disease.

Anthony Rizzo meets a longtime fan from a Make-A-Wish family

A cancer scare is never easy for anyone and it’s something highly personal for each individual. It had such a deep effect on Rizzo that he dedicates a lot of time and effort to his foundation. But that’s not all – the first baseman also sometimes interacts with kids battling cancer, as he did so recently.

READ MORE – New York Yankees’ Slugger Joey Gallo Reveals the Heartwarming Reason His Family Breaks Into Tears Watching Him With Anthony Rizzo

Friday’s game between the Yankees and the Tampa Bay Rays was intense, to say the least. Bronx fans had all indications to believe that it would be another loss, but in what seemed like a miracle, they won. Anthony Rizzo stole the show with two home runs, saving the series.

But before the game started, he met a kid on the sidelines from a Make-A-Wish family. The duo could be seen talking and laughing together as the child’s family stood around them. In the end, Rizzo could be seen removing the barrier that separated them, possibly to talk better and take pictures.

The heartwarming gesture left fans smiling

When The Athletic‘s Chris Kirschner posted the clip to Twitter, it was flooded with fan messages. Baseball Twitter shared their appreciation for Rizzo and his gesture.

Some shared their own Rizzo stories.

Overall, everyone thought it was a sweet moment.

Let’s hope the Yankees and Rizzo can continue their performance!

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