Cubs’ Anthony Rizzo ‘a wreck’ watching reports of Parkland-inspired rallies

MESA, Ariz. — Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo always has been proud of his hometown. But Saturday reminded him all over again about the awful new reason he has for his heavyhearted pride.

‘‘I was a wreck watching these kids, man,’’ Rizzo said after spending part of the day watching news of coast-to-coast marches against gun violence, led by high school students at his alma mater in Parkland, Florida. ‘‘There’s 11-year-olds — 11-year-olds. Two different 11-year-olds speaking at these rallies. What’s going on, as inspiring as it is, it’s just — I think about what I was doing at 11, 12, 13, 14, 15.

‘‘These kids are coming together and trying to change a lot of lives and change this nation. It’s so amazing to see. At the same time, it’s so sad because at 11, 12, 13 and in high school, you’re supposed to be getting in trouble, messing around, learning about life. Unfortunately, they’re doing what they’re doing now. But it’s really inspiring to see.’’

The Cubs open the season against the Marlins on Thursday in Miami, 40 miles from Rizzo’s home in Parkland and Marjory Stoneman Douglas High, where 17 students and teachers lost their lives to a former student with an assault rifle.

The mass shooting happened Feb. 14, just after spring training opened in Mesa. Rizzo quickly flew home and spoke at a vigil for the victims, some of whom were family friends.

Surviving students since have become vocal leaders in the national debate over gun control.

‘‘Watching today, it was just a weird feeling because [fiancée] Emily has said to me, ‘It’s great that’s your community,’ ’’ Rizzo said. ‘‘And it is great. It’s amazing. It’s also fun explaining where Parkland was [before it became famous for the shooting] and saying it’s near Boca or Fort Lauderdale.’’

The Marlins and Cubs plan to wear patches on their uniforms this week in memory of the victims. Four families also will attend as guests of Rizzo to participate in pregame ceremonies Friday, and Marlins chief executive Derek Jeter has invited the Stoneman Douglas baseball team to attend.

‘‘It’ll be emotional,’’ Rizzo said. ‘‘Time heals all, but it’s just so close to home. The further away it gets from it, the weirder it feels.

‘‘Sitting there on my couch [watching news Saturday], I was thinking of my nephew and my niece and them having to go to school and my future kids, if I’m lucky enough to have any. It’s scary times.

‘‘I think a lot of the nation can agree on some common-sense things and just hopefully make things safer. Hopefully today is a movement toward that direction.’’

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Email: gwittenmyer@suntimes.com