Lost in the shuffle of all the Kris Bryant hoopla, #Krismas, is that the Chicago Cubs already have a superstar in first baseman Anthony Rizzo. He was an All-Star last season, and with an up to the minute slash line of .315/.440/.565, he’s likely to return to this Midsummer Classic.
He’s also leading the Major Leagues in hit by pitches; and perhaps in Tweets referencing Britney Spears lyrics as well.
(Editor’s Note: this article originally ran on June 1, 2015, and is now being re-published and updated in wake of the Cubs winning the World Series)
Rizzo made a surprise appearance at Nike Train Chicago, Diamond Fit session, an elite level training program with baseball drills and strength moves curated by Nike Master Trainers. Participants in the intensive two-hour workout were pleasantly surprised by Anthony Rizzo and his coach ’em up style training tips and advice.
Here’s the audio of Anthony Rizzo and Cubs strength Coach Tim Buss addressing those who took part in the workout:
“Training together with a lot of people, you’re going to get a lot more competitive, naturally,” said Anthony Rizzo.
“The more you can do that, the more well being you’re going to have, whether you’re just trying to recover from that, or you’re just trying to stay fit.”
For more on Nike Train Chicago, and greater detail on the session with Chicago Bears DB Sherrick McMannus, go here. To see what it’s like to partake in the intense workout, you’ll want to read this.
Paul M. Banks owns, operates and writes The Sports Bank.net, which is partnered with Fox Sports Digital. Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times, currently contributes to the Chicago Tribune RedEye edition. He also appears regularly on numerous sports talk radio stations all across the country.
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