Chicago Cubs: Anthony Rizzo was personally affected by recent school shooting

The Cubs first baseman still calls Parkland, FL his home and was hit hard following the recent school shooting.

Nearly a week ago, now, Parkland, Florida was struck with tragedy. As we all know by now, a shooter opened up in Stoneman Douglas High School, killing 17 students and injuring even more. Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo calls Parkland home, and he decided immediately he would go home to be there for the families affected.

While the Cubs are in the middle of Spring Training, gearing up for potentially another World Series run after bringing it home in 2016, Rizzo knew that his world is bigger than baseball. Known by the entire sports world as a fun-loving and classy guy, his decision was the right one to make.

Rizzo recently told the Chicago Sun Times how difficult of an experience it was.

“It was the hardest thing I ever had to do, just going back. You don’t know what to say. There’s nothing you can say.

“My first instinct was just kind of numb. I felt helpless here,” he told The Times. “That’s where I grew up. I got in trouble there; I succeeded there; I learned to be who I am because of Parkland.”

Rizzo going home was an act that was personal. It wasn’t just an athlete going home to console families — no, he was directly affected. Rizzo’s agent lost his niece in the shooting. To add to the situation, Rizzo also had a special relationship with one of the heroes on that day.

Aaron Feis, the assistant football coach at Stoneman Douglas, was lauded for stepping in harms way in order to protect students during the mayhem. Feis ended up giving his life for some of his students.

Rizzo, along with his brother, played for Feis. In fact, he had just seen his old coach a few weeks prior at a fundraiser, according to The Times.

“He’s a true hero. It shows the type of person he is,” Rizzo said. “I believe he has a daughter or son at home. It’s sad. But I hope he continues to be recognized for that.”

What makes sports so great at times is the relationship that coaches and managers have with their players, and in this case, even students. Rizzo knows how important it is to share a close relationship with his leadership. Cubs manager Joe Maddon has given Rizzo all the time and respect in this time of grieving.

“My biggest concern is I want him to really take care of himself. That’s an emotional moment for any one of us,” Maddon said. “And I think people like him tend to be carriers in the sense that they will carry other peoples’ weight of emotion, and that’s hard to do.

“I really encouraged him to make sure he takes care of himself while he’s coming back and ease into this situation, because he’s been through a lot.”

Rizzo is now back with his team, but with a heavy heart. The Cubs will continue training for the Spring Training opener on Friday against the Milwaukee Brewers.