Chicago Cubs‘ All-Star Italian American first baseman Anthony Rizzo was presented the 2017 Roberto Clemente Award at Minute Maid Park prior to the start of game three of World Series between the Houston Astros and Los Angeles Dodgers on October 27, 2017. The Roberto Clemente Award, Major League Baseball’s prestigious award that recognizes sportsmanship, community involvement and positive contributions on and off the field, is given annually to a player who demonstrates the values Clemente displayed in his commitment to community and understanding the value of helping others. Each of the 30 MLB clubs nominate a player, and the winner is announced during the World Series.

Although Anthony Rizzohad a one in thirty chance to win the Roberto Clemente Award, it wasn’t the first time that the 28-year-old slugger has had to beat the odds. While a prospect in the Red Sox organization during early 2008, Rizzo was diagnosed with limited state classical Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The Boston front office as well as Red Sox pitching ace Jon Lester, a non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma survivor, were supportive of Rizzo in his battle against cancer. By beating this life-threatening disease, the sky was the limit for this young man’s future. Now a cancer survivor himself, Rizzo is an inspirational role model who helps cancer patients and their families through the ongoing efforts of the Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation, which has raised more than $4 million since its inception in 2012.