Anthony Rizzo pitches in at kids' baseball camp

ROSEMONT, Ill. (WLS) -- It takes focus to win a home run derby--so imagine trying to do that with Anthony Rizzo on the mound.

The Cubs first baseman stopped by his eponymous kids camp in Rosemont, Monday, to give tips on baseball fundamentals. Campers, in 1st-8th grade, had a chance to talk with Rizzo as he demonstrated techniques at the one-day clinic.

"When I talk to them, I hope they just remember one thing I say... that they can use for a long time when it comes to baseball and when it comes to life in general," said the 2016 Gold Glove winner.

A select sluggers few were lucky enough to have Rizzo toss pitches during an eight-person home run derby as the other campers--and many parents watched on.

Rizzo inspired the campers, even beyond his baseball ability.

"Knowing that he fought cancer knows that other people can fight cancer, so he's kind of like a hero to me," said 10-year-old Sophia Yaghoubi, adding,"It was actually a dream come true."

Rizzo also talked about his two newest teammates, lefty reliever Justin Wilson and catcher Alex Avila, both traded to the Cubs from Detroit.

"They're just going to really add on to what we've been doing and it's going to be good for us," said Rizzo.

After a lackluster first half to the season, the Cubs are 13-3 following the All-Star break.