First baseman Anthony Rizzo plays a vital role not only in the Cubs on-field production but also in the team’s overall presence and morale.
The Cubs’ vocal leader understands that the way he sets the tone has a major effect on the team’s overall energy. Whether it’s “Tony Two Chains” popping gold chains after hitting a homer or hyping guys up following a big play in a game his presence is the heartbeat in the Cubs clubhouse.
If you ask any Cubs player, they’d tell you that Rizzo has always been this way. But this year’s unique circumstances has made him more conscious of his role and reflective with the unknown of what lies ahead.
“I’m not going to shy away from this, this could be our last year together,” Rizzo said. “I think we all know that, especially with the state of the game and who knows what’s gonna happen. This could be our last run with all our core guys. This could be my last year, who knows? So I’m enjoying every second of it.”
The Cubs’ team energy has been talked about ad nauseam and can be seen with a quick glance or listen into the team’s dugout and bullpen. Having those experiences have undoubtedly played a role in the Cubs getting off to their historic start to the season.
It makes sense that players like Rizzo, Kris Bryant, Javy Báez and the rest of the Cubs core have taken it upon themselves to create their own energy. Rizzo acknowledged that they were all younger players and looked up to people like their former teammate, now manager, David Ross and others who did similar to what they’re now trying to do.
Now that those players all have more time in the big leagues, they’re now the players that their younger teammates like Nico Hoerner and others can lean on.
“I don’t know if anybody’s trying to do anything more. I don’t think anybody’s trying to be someone they’re not,” Bryant said. “I do think that we’re all collectively trying to just have more fun because this year is what it is. It’s very different.
“The circumstances we’re playing under everything is very different. So, I think it’s important that we have a fun group that goes out there and just has fun on the bench. … I think we’ve used that to our advantage and we have the perfect groups for that type of atmosphere.”
Ross said earlier in the season that players have little to no interaction with people outside of the ballpark which has made his time with his players worthwhile. With the Cubs creating an environment where not only winning can happen, but also where players feel comfortable expressing themselves and stay engaged comes in handy in a year like this.
There are no guarantees this season and as teams try to battle a global pandemic, things can take a turn at any time. With that in mind, the Cubs are making sure to keep things in perspective as they try to make the most of the rest of this season.
“When times get tough, I’ve obviously been through a tough time before, you start appreciating all the little things again that maybe you take for granted,” Rizzo said. “I’m a victim of it. I’m sure, everyone, you guys are all victims of it, but it’s the joy of the game that we’re playing for right now.
“I think it’s really showing that we’re just basically playing high school summer baseball right now. That’s how we feel like we’re playing just going out and playing baseball and not worrying about if someone’s hitting .500 or if someone’s hitting under .200. It’s just, let’s win, pick each other up and figure it out.”
