Chicago Cubs: Anthony Rizzo sets painful franchise record

On Monday, Anthony Rizzo put his name atop the Chicago Cubs history books, albeit in a rather painful category.

Heading into Monday, Hall of Famer Frank Chance held a very painful record for the Chicago Cubs. The first baseman/catcher had been hit by a pitch 137 times in his time with the Cubs, a record that had stood since 1912. However, his time atop the record books was numbered, as Anthony Rizzo was tied with Chance in that category.

After being hit by a Justus Sheffield pitch on Monday, Rizzo broke the tie, taking over the all time franchise record. Just to be certain, he was hit by a pitch a second time as well, putting more distance between him and the now second place Chance.

Being hit by a pitch is not new for Rizzo. He sets up right on the plate, daring pitchers to come inside. That stance leads to occasionally painful results, as Rizzo has been hit at least 15 times in each of the past six seasons, leading the league twice.

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Rizzo may add another league leading season in that category as well. As he was hit twice on Monday, he tied Derek Dietrich by being hit by a pitch 25 times this year, the most in the National League. A third title may be in the cards.

He may also take over the active lead in being hit by a pitch in relatively short order as well. Shin-Soo Choo has been hit by a pitch 146 times in his career, only three ahead of Rizzo. As Choo has only been hit by a pitch 14 times thus far in 2019, it is possible that Rizzo will surpass him for the active lead.

Rizzo is also steadily moving up the all time ladder. He currently ranks 23rd all time, tied with Carlton Fisk and David Eckstein as he has been hit 143 times overall. While the all time record of 287 times being hit by a pitch, set by Hughie Jennings, may be difficult to reach, it would not be a surprise if Rizzo became the ninth player to be hit 200 times in MLB history.

For now, Anthony Rizzo will need to settle for being atop that category in the Chicago Cubs record books. And maybe, he should celebrate with an ice pack.