Anthony Rizzo Of Chicago Cubs Hits 2 Home Runs For Cancer Patient

The third multi-home-run game of the season for Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo carried with it some extra meaning Tuesday night.

Rizzo

Hours earlier, Rizzo, a first-time All-Star this season, visited the cancer ward at the Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital in Chicago and met Mike, a 22-year-old cancer patient. Rizzo, a cancer survivor himself, didn't exactly promise to hit a home run for Mike, according to the team's website, but he said he would certainly try.

Rizzo, 24, delivered that night against the San Diego Padres, hitting No. 24 in the third inning and No. 25 in the seventh to take over the National League lead.

Barely into his professional career after being drafted by the Boston Red Sox, an 18-year-old Rizzo was diagnosed with Stage 2 Hodgkin lymphoma in 2008. He went through six months of chemotherapy and was declared cancer-free.

"This one hit more at home for me," Rizzo told the Cubs website of his meeting with Mike and his family. "I usually don't get flashbacks, but I did this time."