Through three All-Star selections and a World Series title, Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo hasn't forgotten where he came from.
Rizzo announced on Monday that his foundation donated $150,000 to his alma mater, Douglas High School, to go toward a $300,000-project to install lights for the Eagles' baseball and softball fields in Parkland, Fla.
The other half will be raised, in part, through a fundraiser dinner on Jan. 25 at Coral Springs Center for the Arts. With the goal to complete the projects and install lights by the start of the spring 2019 season, Douglas' baseball field will be renamed Anthony Rizzo Field.
"I owe my first start of my career to those who taught me the fundamental baseball skills I needed to become the player I am today. Without the help of my coaches, I don't know if I would have had this much success," Rizzo said in a statement. "I am grateful for the support and encouragement they gave me when I needed it."
His alma mater reciprocates that appreciation.
"I think it just says a lot about him as a person and him wanting to give back," Douglas baseball coach Todd Fitz-Gerald said. "He wants our baseball and softball programs to be successful."
Douglas, one of the premier baseball programs in the state and possibly the nation, has always been hindered by the inability to host night games.
"It's huge for just overall atmosphere of high school baseball, No. 1," Fitz-Gerald said. "No. 2: It's hard for parents to make a 3:45 game. (They'll) be able to come and watch their kids play instead of having to leave work early or take time from work."
Fitz-Gerald also hopes to be able to open up Douglas' facility more often to youth teams in the area with the improvements.
In 2016, Douglas won its first state baseball championship. The Eagles were named national champions after that season.
