Former Baseball Factory alumnus Anthony Rizzo has grown up quickly in the Windy City as the leader of an up-and-coming Chicago Cubs team that is looking to make huge strides in the National League Central in 2015.

Entering his fourth season with the Cubs, the former sixth round pick of the Boston Red Sox has found a home in the middle of the order and has seen his numbers increase yearly in nearly every statistical category, including home runs, batting average and slugging percentage.

Rizzo has added another task to being the leader of the Cubs; becoming a mentor.

Rizzo has been mentoring former Baseball Factory alumnus, Kris Bryant and sees a lot of himself in Bryant coming up through the ranks recently telling the Chicago Tribune, “Three years ago I was in his shoes with everything that’s going to go on with the stuff that’s going to be written about him, whether he makes the team or not. (It’s) just tunnel-vision, and play baseball.”

Despite his age, Rizzo and Bryant both showed up early to camp ready to work. At just 25, it may seem like a heavy weight to carry, but Rizzo is fully aware of the leadership new manager Joe Maddon is entrusting in the young superstar.

How confident is the slugger? In January, he told reporters that the Cubs will win the National League Central this season, saying, “We’re going to win the NL Central. You can quote me on that.”

It’s this type of confidence that is beginning to spread throughout the Cubs clubhouse and could fast track them into division-leader talk in 2015.

If you’re a fan of the Chicago Cubs and in the Indianapolis area, Baseball Factory’s National Tryout Tour is coming to you this Sunday March 8th! Visit our tryout page to register and receive more information.