CHICAGO — In a rare and unexpected moment at Wrigley Field, Chicago Cubs’ Ian Happ sent the crowd into a frenzy when he threw the legendary Anthony Rizzo a signed ball with a $100 bill, along with the viral handwritten message: “Here’s to never having to buy a beer in Chicago!”
The event was not only a symbolic tribute, but also an instant social media sensation, leaving Cubs Nation both emotional and excited.
Rizzo, who was the heart and soul of the Chicago Cubs during their historic 2016 World Series run, is back with his signature smile and an unforgettable memory. Happ, who played alongside Rizzo, chose to show his affection in a unique way: a souvenir ball, a $100 bill, and a message that melted the hearts of Chicago.
“It’s more than a gift, it’s a tribute and a brotherhood,” one longtime fan commented on Twitter. “Happ said it all for us: Rizzo never needs to buy beer in Chicago, because the city owes him forever.”
Rizzo was the unofficial captain and symbol of Cubs resilience. He, along with Kris Bryant, Javier Báez, and Jon Lester, formed a golden generation that led the Cubs to escape the “108-year curse” and lift the World Series trophy.
Since leaving the Cubs to join the New York Yankees, Rizzo has maintained a special affection from Chicago fans. Every time he returns, he always receives a long applause. But the Ian Happ moment went beyond that: it cemented in Cubs fans’ minds that Rizzo was more than just a former player—he was a permanent part of the city.
As soon as the image of Happ handing out the “legendary combo” surfaced, Cubs Nation turned it into a social media trend. From Instagram to X (Twitter), thousands of tweets and posts went viral:
“Happ just turned a normal moment into Cubs history. So cool!”
“A $100 bill, a signed ball, but the value is priceless.”
“Rizzo is forever a Chicago boy.”
Fans joked that if Rizzo tried to order a beer at any bar in the city, the owner would definitely refuse to take the money.
In baseball history, it’s rare to see small moments with such great symbolic meaning. Happ – representing the current generation of Cubs – sent a message that the love and attachment to the legends will never fade.
For Rizzo, this moment affirmed that he was not only a former Cubs star, but also an “immortal son” in the heart of the city of Chicago.
“This is so you never have to buy beer in Chicago again” — a phrase that will be repeated decades later, as a symbol of affection that cannot be bought with money, but can only be built with history, victory, and immortal memories.
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