As we await his return to finish out a fantastic season, Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo is being recognized for what he’s done not only on the field, but off of it, as well, this year.
Rizzo is one of six finalists for the Marvin Miller Man of the Year Award, which is given to a player who “inspires others to higher levels of achievement by their on-field performances and contributions to their communities.” The award, which is given out by the Players Association, is named after Marvin Miller, the first executive director of the MLBPA.
You already know what Rizzo has done on the field this year, but he’s also raised substantial funds and awareness for cancer treatment research. Rizzo, himself, is a cancer survivor, having battled Hodgkin’s Lymphoma when he was younger.
The other five finalists are Clayton Kershaw, Adam LaRoche, Josh Hamilton, Max Scherzer, and Carlos Beltran. The winner will be voted upon by the players.
It’s a very cool recognition for a guy who does a lot not only for the Chicago Cubs, but also in service of the greater good.