Anthony Rizzo Receives Important Off Season Award

Those of us who have followed Anthony Rizzo's career are well aware of his philanthropy. Now the rest of the league knows about it too. 

Before Game 3 of the World Series the Cubs first baseman was awarded the Roberto Clemente Award.

The award is given out annually to the player who best represents the game of baseball through extraordinary character, community involvement, philanthropy and positive contributions, both on and off the field.

The Clemente Award is a big deal for those who pay attention. It was a big deal to Rizzo who said that winning it means he's helping change lives.

And he has.

Rizzo, a cancer survivor himself, has made it his personal mission to help out children with cancer. Some people do that with monetary donations, some do it with their volunteer work. Rizzo does it with both.

The Rizzo Foundation has raised over $4 million to help out the families of cancer patients and he can frequently be found at Laurie's children hospital going around visiting sick kids.

Just recently Rizzo was in the news when a cancer patient in St. Louis had her signed photo of him stolen. Anthony made it right by sending another picture along with a signed ball and jersey (I would guess that he finds time to visit her in the offseason as well.)

There is a monetary award that goes along with the Clemente, Rizzo has said that he will be donating that to the relief efforts in Puerto Rico.

This isn't the first nor will it be the last time I've said this but these Cub players make it so easy to root for them. Who would have thought 10 years ago that there would be so much pride that goes into Cubs fandom? What a time to be alive.