On Wednesday, February 14th, there was a school shooting in Parkland, Florida leaving 17 dead and 14 more wounded. The country went into grieving and more questions than answers flew around but for Chicago Cubs star Anthony Rizzo, the tragedy hit home on another level.
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 ????
— Anthony Rizzo (@ARizzo44) February 14, 2018
Anthony Rizzo graduated from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in 2007. After arriving at Spring Training in Mesa, Arizona, Rizzo turned around and headed back to Florida to show support at his alma mater for the victims and their families.
The World Series Champion first baseman elected to leave camp with permission from the Chicago Cubs to come and support the community and all those affected by this tragedy. The Cubs granted him this opportunity given Rizzo’s close connection to the community including Football Coach Aaron Feis who was killed shielding the other students. He knew the coach and remains in close ties with others from this school and he even took batting practice at the school in the offseason.
Rizzo has left camp to head back home to Florida to be with family and community after shooting at alma mater.
— Gordon Wittenmyer (@GDubCub) February 15, 2018
Rizzo/family knew some of the victims, including football coach Aaron Feis, who was killed while shielding students from shooter. #parkland
— Gordon Wittenmyer (@GDubCub) February 15, 2018
Almora on school shooting: “There’s got to be something done. …I saw that there’s been 18 mass shootings in the first 2 months of this year. I don’t care what your political beliefs are, that just can’t happen.”
— Gordon Wittenmyer (@GDubCub) February 15, 2018
Rizzo took BP at Stoneman Douglas HS during offseason and maintains close ties at alma mater. Teammate Almora: “We’re obviously all here for Anthony and for that school and all those families.”
— Gordon Wittenmyer (@GDubCub) February 15, 2018
In 2017, Rizzo was elected as the winner of the Roberto Clemente Award for his community involvement and contributions off the field. The circumstances that Rizzo is returning to Parkland for are not the greatest but it is awesome to see Rizzo is going to support the community he grew up in.
