Vedder Joins Rizzo at Wrigley Field for Ambassador Debut

Lead Pearl Jam frontman Eddie Vedder joined former Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo at Wrigley Field on Saturday, Sept. 13, as Rizzo threw out the ceremonial first pitch and began his new role as team ambassador.

Nut Graf Vedder’s surprise appearance underscored the deep bond between music and sports in Chicago, marking a memorable moment in Rizzo’s retirement festivities and delighting fans with an unexpected celebrity cameo.

Game-Day Ceremony Vedder and Rizzo

  • Spotted chatting in the left-field bleachers before the Cubs’ afternoon contest against the Tampa Bay Rays
  • Provided moral support as Rizzo, 36, took the mound for his ambassadorial first pitch to former teammate Ian Happ

Ambassador Role & Retirement

  • Rizzo, a 14-year veteran and 2016 World Series champion, officially joined the Cubs front office as an ambassador
  • Wore a jersey signed by pediatric cancer patients, highlighting his Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation’s work

Fan Reactions

  • Bleacher-goers cheered at the sight of Vedder among them, with many snapping photos of the singer-songwriter in Cubs gear
  • Social media lit up as clips of Vedder and Rizzo chatting before the game spread across platforms

Vedder’s Chicago Connection

  • The 56-year-old musician has appeared at several Chicago events in recent years, deepening his ties to the city and its sports culture
  • His presence added star power to Rizzo’s day, marrying two beloved Chicago institutions-Pearl Jam and the Cubs-on a single afternoon