New York Yankees’ first baseman Anthony Rizzo gave his new teammates a gift that was both expensive and heartfelt on the opening day.
Anthony Rizzo, the New York Yankees’ most trusted baseman, re-signed with the franchise this off-season shortly after Aaron Judge signed an extension contract. Rizzo, Judge’s best pal, opted out of the initial agreement after Judge entered the free agency as he wanted to stay with Judge till the end of his career. Not only that, the baseman even tricked the slugger into re-signing by emotionally blackmailing him through their respective pets.
Overall, everything fell in place at the end of the off-season as both the hitters returned to New York. Rizzo, who has always been a team player, will play his third season in the Bronx. Last season he recorded a .276 batting average with 8 hits, two home runs and 8 RBIs in 29 at-bats. His season ended prematurely due to stiff back issues. However, this season, the baseman is back in full health and brought along a special gift for his teammates.
Yankees Teammates Receive Special Gift From Anthony Rizzo
New York Yankees commenced their 2023 MLB season against the San Francisco Giants. The much-awaited season opener went the Yanks’ way as they took home the winning momentum. Meanwhile, before the game, the Yankees bullpen found a special gift box lying around their locker room chairs. The blue colour gift box contained two expensive wine bottles dated back from 2016. As reported by Brendan Kuty of the Athletic, the first bottle, Sor Bruno, made in a winery in Poggibonsi, Italy, cost around $130. Moreover, the other one, Il Solatio, from a winery in Chianti, Italy, costs as much as $470.
Along with the expensive bottles, the box contained a special note from none other than baseman Anthony Rizzo. He bought the wine bottles for each and every member of the bullpen and also put in a personalized note written in his own words. Most of the notes welcomed the players to the organization and revealed Rizzo’s excitement to share the dressing room with the new roster. Explaining the sentiment behind the gesture, the baseman said coming offspring to opening day is always a nice feeling as you put behind all the setbacks and start the season fresh. Hence, he wanted everyone to feel welcomed and instil a sense of belonging.
Rizzo Joins Aaron Judge & Gleyber Torres In The Home Run Club
The New York Yankees registered a convincing 8-1 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies on Monday afternoon. Moreover, the first baseman, Anthony Rizzo, opened his home run account for the 2023 season as he drilled his first in the fifth innings, taking the overall lead to 5-1.
Anthony Rizzo joined the likes of Aaron Judge and Gleyber Torres, who have slammed one homer each in the tournament so far. Rizzo’s form is a positive sign for the Yankees as his back injury resurfaced during spring. While the Yankees avoided further damage, it is likely to flare up in the latter half of the season. Hence, the baseman must take a cautious approach.