Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo has left his MLB team's spring training in Arizona to travel to his hometown of Parkland, Florida, in wake of Wednesday's shooting.
Rizzo graduated from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, where the shooting took place, in 2007. In November, he donated $150,000 to his alma mater to help toward lights for the baseball and softball fields. His parents still live in the area.
Rizzo was traveling Thursday, the team said. He had been an early arrival in Arizona, where Chicago's position players are set to report Monday ahead of the club's first full-squad workout. He is expected back by then.
Rizzo took to Twitter, saying, "Parkland and Coral Springs please stay strong!" and "This is out of control ... and our country is in desperate need for change."
He added, "I hope In this darkest of times back home this brings everyone together and we can find love. You're all in my prayers" Rizzo ended the post with two emoji of hands together in prayer.