CHICAGO -- The last time Anthony Rizzo was in Wrigley Field, he walked through the outfield with his parents and wife, while his dog trotted through the grass. Rizzo stopped at the famous ivy-covered wall, spread his arms wide and leaned back into the leaves.

Three years later, Rizzo sat in the visitors’ dugout as a member of the Yankees -- his first trip back to the Friendly Confines since being traded at the 2021 Deadline. Ahead of Friday’s game in his old home ballpark, the former core member of Chicago’s 2016 World Series team smiled and reminisced.

“It’s cool to see the ivy again -- nice and green,” Rizzo said ahead of the Cubs’ 3-0 loss to the Yankees. “I’m just excited for this weekend.”

Cubs fans have had a string of these reunions with the old core favorites, but the chance to celebrate Rizzo took some patience. The wait led to a love fest at the mention of Rizzo’s name in the lineup announcements, and continued through the afternoon. That included a stirring montage video before the day’s first pitch.

Rizzo said “probably” when asked before the game if he might shed a tear during the festivities, which a large contingent of family and friends attended on Friday. The first baseman said he saw the return receptions for core members like Kyle Schwarber, Kris Bryant, Jon Lester and Javier Báez, and knew he was in for an emotional day.

After the highlights from Rizzo’s Cubs career flashed on the video boards, the Yankees' first baseman made his way up the dugout steps to a rousing standing ovation. He raised his cap to the crowd and turned to thank each section of the stadium. Rizzo later jogged out to center field to acknowledge the fans in the bleachers.

“When we were here, we turned a franchise from lovable losers to expected winners,” Rizzo said. “I’m removed [from it here now], but I know in New York the expectation is to win every day. That brings the best out of you. That makes you really check yourself in the mirror every day and bring it.”