Mike Rizzo (baseball)
| Mike Rizzo | |
|---|---|
.jpg)
Rizzo in 2015
|
|
| Born |
December 14, 1960 Chicago, Illinois |
| Nationality | American |
| Alma mater | University of Illinois |
| Occupation | Baseball executive |
| Years active | 2009–present |
| Organization | Washington Nationals |
| Title | President and General Manager |
Michael Anthony Rizzo (born December 14, 1960) is an American baseball front office executive who is the general manager and president of baseball operations of the Washington Nationals of Major League Baseball (MLB).
After a brief playing career in minor league baseball, Rizzo transitioned into coaching and scouting. He became the director of scouting for the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2000. Rizzo joined the Nationals in 2007 as an assistant general manager. He succeeded Jim Bowden as the Nationals' general manager in 2009, and was promoted to team president in 2013.
Rizzo grew up in Chicago as one of four children. His father, Phil, was a former minor league baseball player who drove a truck for the city and scouted for the California Angels on a part-time basis. The Angels made him a full-time scout, as many of the players he identified reached the majors.
Rizzo attended Holy Cross High School in River Grove, Illinois and Saint Xavier University, where he played college baseball for the Saint Xavier Cougars.
The Angels drafted Rizzo in the 22nd round, with the 554th overall selection, in the 1982 Major League Baseball Draft. He played for the Salem Angels (Class A Short Season), Peoria Suns (Class A) and Redwood Pioneers (Class A Advanced) from 1982 to 1984. After the 1984 season, the Angels released Rizzo. His father suggested that he was not skilled enough to reach the major leagues, and advised he attend college.
...
Wikipedia