Do Simple Better (Anthony Rizzo)

Chapter 21: Cubs Con

-Anthony's POV-

Ahhhh Cubs Con. The best time of the year, all the boys come back, get to see some new ones, get to meet the fans. For players like myself who knows we are nothing without the fans, this means the world to us. To start it off we do roll call and I'm in the back with the guys talking about what we did over the break. "TONY" someone screams. I turn around and see David running towards me. I open my arms and he jumps in them. "Guys dad is here!" I cheer and everyone laughs. I set him down and we start talking. "How's Vanessa" he says grabbing a water and taking a drink. "She's been amazing. My parents are obsessed with her and every time we get a new teammate she tells me what they bring to the team and how they will fit in" I laugh. "I hope she said good things about me" a voice says. As he gets closer I see it's no other than Jason Heyward and I couldn't help but smile. He was a great guy. "Well if it isn't J-Hey" I chirp and give him a hug. "Long time no see" Rossy says bringing him in. They played together at the Braves when Jason was a rookie and the two were already close. We get to talking and knowing each other well. I can tell he's going to be a huge piece of our team on and off the field. I get to meet Lackey and Zobrist and we get the convention started.

After introductions were done and we recapped last years season it was time for interviews. I was patiently waiting for my turn and listening to everyone talk. The expectations are high and no one is being shy about it. We love that people are scared of us, they should be. On paper we should win 120 games. But in the end all we want is the championship so all this talk means nothing until we do so. I was snapped out of my thoughts when a pair of hands go over my eyes. "Guess who?" I immediately know who it is and turn around to kiss my girlfriend. She smiles into the kiss and it makes me smile. "I love you" I say. "I love you most". She sits in my lap and watches interviews. Jason gets done and walks over to us. I feel Vanessa perk up and I can't help but laugh. "You must be the famous Vanessa" he says sticking his hand out. "That I am" she giggles and shakes his hand. "Rumor has it you know my stats better than I do" he states and she nods. "I'm going to need all your support because a lot of my fans aren't to happy with me" he jokes. The thought of Jason when we go to St. Louis makes me laugh. That's going be fun. "Don't worry. Any sensible man who knows of your talents knows this is the team you belong on. I'll beat the shit out of anyone who gives you problems" she replies cracking her knuckles. We all loose it and they announce it's my turn for interviews.
"So Anthony, is this the year?"
"Just getting right to it aren't we? But I can honestly say it is. Going into this season were more stocked then ever. If you look at our roster, our line up is extremely deep at all positions and we have a mix of young and experienced. No matter who we put out there they have a good chance of being the hero. I mean look at our pitchers. There's like 3 to 4 Cy Young options in there.  Everyone knows we're going to be good."
"You all seem confident, why is that?"
"Well last year we were good and no on thought we would be. This year everyone knows were gonna be good. Joe has us set up so we can win a World Series and we expect nothing less"
"Do you have any extra motivation this season"
"I do. I met a wonderful man last year, loved this team more than anyone. He was battling cancer and he recently lost his battle. But he was very important to me and this team. I made him a bunch of promises and one of them was to win a World Series and I don't break my promises"
"What were some of the other ones? If thats okay with you"
"Of course. He had a daughter who is special to not only me, but everyone who has ever met her. I promised to become the man in her life after his absence. To show her things she forgot about when she was taking care of him. And to remind her that life isn't all that bad."
"She sounds very important to you"
"She means the world to me, I love her"

We finish up the interview and I exit in shock that this is actually happening. Vanessa and Joe were off joking and I make my way over to her. "Hey Joe, I hope Vanessa is treating you well" I say slinging my arm over her. "Can she be my assistant manager?" Joe laughs and she shakes her head. "Hell yeah if that means she can come with us on road trips so I don't have to leave her" I joke. Joe suddenly stops laughing at looks at me. "I would actually like for her to help us. She knows just about everyone and how they work. She could provide insight and important information that could win us some games" he says. We both go wide eyed and I hope so hard he isn't kidding. "Are you serious?" She says. He smiles then nods and I got a good feeling. "I have to check with Theo but I would like it" he says. Joe goes off to talk to media and I'm left with Vanessa. "Your dad would be so proud" I whisper and she lets that great smile shine. I kiss her cheek and join her in people watching. "I think this is the year, Ant". I match her smile and let out a smile it my own. "This is the year"

I would like to say my condolences to the José Fernández family, his fans, and the whole Miami Marlins team. He was such a talented young man who leaves behind his girl and unborn child. I enjoyed the great things he did for the game of baseball and most importantly, what he represented for his people. Off the field he was one of the favorite players because he loved life and people knew it. He overcame so much and was taken too early. The future for him was so freaking bright and it sucks that we can't witness the great things he had to offer. He will be greatly missed. Rest In Peace young gun ❤️