Anthony Rizzo: Every Player is Crucial to Winning a World Series

Winning a World Series requires more than just the star power of a few elite players; it demands the contribution of every individual within an organization, according to 2016 champion Anthony Rizzo.

Rizzo, who was part of the Chicago Cubs team that ended a 108-year championship drought, stressed that success in the MLB postseason hinges on the collective effort of all 26 players, coaches, and support staff.

"Everyone’s so important to a team," Rizzo told OutKick, highlighting PAYDAY’s "Low Key Legends" initiative, which recognizes the contributions of often-overlooked individuals. "It takes all 26 guys, it takes your entire staff. So, in order for the superstars to win their championship… it’s going to take every single guy on that roster. It’s not just one guy who carries you."

He elaborated that crucial elements like baserunning, pickoffs, and relays, while not always flashy, are often the "small things" that ultimately lead to a championship.

Rizzo identified Danny Mueller, the Cubs' clubhouse attendant during his tenure, as a "Low Key Legend." He recalled Mueller's ability to ensure players felt energized and prepared, contributing to a positive team environment. He also credited hitting coaches for their behind-the-scenes work in scouting and preparation, allowing players to perform with less mental burden.

"Those are the guys behind the scenes that are just fueling this greatness you see on the field," Rizzo said.

Rizzo also pointed to a recent example in the Milwaukee Brewers' postseason run. While Jackson Chourio's walk-off hit in Game 2 of their NLDS series against the San Diego Padres garnered significant attention, Rizzo highlighted Gary Sanchez's earlier contribution.

Sanchez, pinch-hitting in the at-bat before Chourio, drew a bases-loaded walk. Rizzo described this as the "low-key legend moment of the game," demonstrating how a crucial, less publicized play by a role player can set the stage for a star's heroics.

"The superstar moment is when Jackson Chourio coming up and getting that base hit," Rizzo said, "but the play before that, Gary Sanchez taking the walk to get the bases loaded. That’s the low-key legend moment of the game."

Rizzo emphasized that teams in October often form a tight-knit family, bonded by the shared goal and the intensity of the postseason.

"We’re together forever. We’re together for 200-plus days a year," he said. "In October, win or go home, you’re still saying to each other, ‘In a few weeks, I get to pick my own friends.’ So, we’re like family in the clubhouse. Guys know when to get on guys, when they need a little more love, when to back off – maybe they’re a little more sensitive. That’s the family and bond that’s created in a season."

He concluded that these unsung heroes, the "entire army" behind the stars, can be the decisive factor between returning home empty-handed or celebrating a championship.