After Friday night’s first pitch at Chase Field, the Dbacks will work hard to get Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo out. But before the competition starts, they’re welcoming the Chicago slugger in a pregame ceremony to give back to Phoenix Children’s Hospital.

Supporting Beach Ball 2020, the Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation will donate $50,000 to Phoenix Children’s Hospital. The annual event transports attendees to a new “beach” destination each year, benefitting the Hospital. Guests and sponsors of Beach Ball 2019 raised more than $1.65 million, and over the last 26 years, the event has raised nearly $20 million for the Hope Fund to fuel innovative, family-centered care. 

The three-time All-Star, Rizzo is also a cancer survivor. During his own battle with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, he realized at the age of 18 that no matter how difficult fighting cancer was for him, it was harder for his family. Claiming victory over his own battle, he decided to become a role model. He founded the Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation, which has raised millions for cancer research and provides support to children and their families battling the disease. 

“Anthony Rizzo’s support is a homerun for us,” said Steve Schnall, senior vice president and chief development officer at Phoenix Children’s Hospital Foundation. “His generous gift fuels investments in the future of pediatric medicine. By supporting the work of our own roster of top physician leaders, innovative treatments — and cures — are within reach.”

The check presentation will take place before the Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Chicago Cubs game on Friday, April 26 at Chase Field.

Beach Ball 2020, scheduled for February 29, 2020, is co-chaired by Whitney and Ben Heglie and Brooke and Kevin Kopp.