Who Is Anthony Rizzo's Wife? All About Emily Vakos

Anthony Rizzo and his wife, Emily Vakos, have settled in New York, where the baseball player starts at first base for the New York Yankees.

The couple moved to the Big Apple from Chicago, where Rizzo previously starred for the Cubs and won a World Series in 2016. It was also where the three-time All-Star and Gold Glove winner proposed to Vakos.

The couple married in 2018 and are pet parents to their dog, Kevin. Vakos admitted that she had to get used to the attention Rizzo’s partner brings.

“I’ll be picking bananas and then I’ll find him taking pictures with Whole Foods,” she shared Chicago Splash in 2017.

“We go into places and the next thing you know we’re saying hello and taking pictures,” Rizzo added. “It’s great to do it, but [sometimes we’re just] trying to go on a date.”

So who is Anthony Rizzo’s wife? Here’s everything you need to know about Emily Vakos and her relationship with the MLB star.

She went to college in Arizona

Anthony Rizzo and Emily Vakos.

Anthony Rizzo Instagram

According to her LinkedIn page, Vakos graduated from Arizona State University in 2016 with a degree in nutrition and food management. He is also a certified expert in school nutrition.

In addition to loving good food, Vakos is also a real estate agent.

She was an intern for the Chicago Cubs

Anthony Rizzo and Emily Vakos.

Anthony Rizzo Instagram

Rizzo and Vakos first met in spring training in Arizona in 2016, when the first baseman was still a member of the Chicago Cubs.

At the time, Vakos was interning in the team’s nutrition department during her senior year of university, so when the star athlete asked for her phone number, she gave him a fake one. However, Vakos left the door open for relationships after she was done with the team.

In an interview with Chicago SplashRizzo called his pursuit of the Dallas native “relentless,” and the two eventually started seeing each other.

She thought her suggestion was a joke

Anthony Rizzo and Emily Vakos pose for a photo.

Anthony Rizzo Instagram

Rizzo proposed to Vakos in 2017. He took his girlfriend at the time on a cruise on Lake Michigan and set off fireworks. Although she said yes, at first Vakos thought they were there for filming. When Rizzo took out the ring, she thought it was a joke.

“I really like jeans and T-shirts, especially if I’m going on a boat,” she told za Chicago Splash in 2017. “So much [people ask] how did he manage to make you look like that – in a dress, hairdo and make-up? That’s because I thought we would [a photo shoot]! … He thought through every detail.”

“It was great,” Rizzo added. “She was completely surprised so I wanted it. I kind of kept it a secret.”

She married Rizzo in 2018

Anthony Rizzo and Emily Vakos take a selfie outdoors.

Anthony Rizzo Instagram

Rizzo and Vakos were married on December 29, 2018, just before the new year, in South Florida.

The elegant weekend wedding was attended by several of Rizzo’s teammates from the 2016 team, including David Ross, Dexter Fowler (whose daughter served as flower girl), Kris Bryant and Matt Sczcur.

Country music sensation Brett Eldredge performed for their first dance. The reception also featured their favorite dishes from their hometowns, including Rizzo’s favorite New Jersey cannoli.

“I had a wedding that I couldn’t even dream of,” he shared with Vakos Modern luxury in 2018. “It’s going to be perfect no matter what, because you’re marrying your best friend.”

Rizzo thanked his guests and new wife with a sweet Instagram post.

“So much love for everyone who came and celebrated our very special weekend and for all the kind messages people have sent,” he wrote at the time. “With the greatest love to my amazing wife Emily, thank you for existing! Happy New Year from Rizzo!🥂 ✌🏻.”

She finished the New York City Marathon

Anthony Rizzo and his wife Emily Vakos.

Anthony Rizzo Instagram

Vakos proved that Rizzo is not the only athlete in the family when she ran the New York City Marathon in November 2023 in support of the Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation.

Rizzo, who was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma in April 2008, founded the organization in 2012 to help families affected by pediatric cancer.

Samantha Bracksieck, wife of right fielder Aaron Judge, joined Vakos. The novice marathon runner told New York Post how Bracksieck helped her navigate the new terrain.

“I went to her throughout this whole process and asked her countless questions about what day it was [of] what she looks like, what I should wear, what headphones, what her training looks like,” Vakos told the newspaper. “We also ran together and she was really my support system and gave me a lot of good advice.”

Vakos finished the race in 3 hours 47 minutes and 54 seconds and celebrated with her husband at the finish line. Rizzo later praised his wife’s efforts in an Instagram post.

“Emily’s first race of any size and she absolutely destroyed the @nycmarathon!” he wrote. “I’m so proud of all your hard work and long days of training that paid off.”

Rizzo continued, “Marathon Sunday is the best day in NYC and even better chasing @rizzo with friends and family as she represents the @anthony_rizzo_familyfoundation. Congrats to every single runner on such an amazing accomplishment!”

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Source: HIS Education