MESA, Ariz. _ A light rain was falling Wednesday afternoon when Anthony Rizzo was leaving Cubs camp.
I ran into him outside the parking lot, and we talked about his Valentine's Day plans. Rizzo said he was excited to go spend the rest of the day with his fiancee, and when I asked what he got her for a present, he laughed and joked: "Chocolate."
I made fun of him for being cheap. He smiled, got into his car and went back to his spring training residence in Scottsdale, Ariz.
A few minutes later, the news broke of the shooting rampage at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School that left 17 dead and many more wounded.
The shooting hit home for Rizzo, who attended the high school and donated money to it through his charity foundation.
Rizzo immediately took to Twitter to send his condolences to the community and called for "change."
"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, the school's most famous alumnus, still makes his home in the area. He donated $150,000 to cover the cost of lights for the school's baseball field.
On Thursday, he left Cubs spring training for Florida to be with his family and community. Rizzo is expected to return next week.
