Cubs' Rizzo On Shooting At Alma Mater: 'This Is Out Of Control'

CHICAGO, IL — Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo offered his support for the families of the victims of the shooting Wednesday at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. In an online post following the tragic incident, the All-Star, who graduated from the high school in 2007, also spoke out about the recent violence and urged for change.

"Parkland and Coral Springs please stay strong!" Rizzo wrote on his Twitter account hours after the shooting. "This is out of control and and our country is in desperate need for change. I hope In this darkest of times back home this brings everyone together and we can find love. You’re all in my prayers."

A student who was expelled from the high school last year is accused of opening fire on campus Wednesday, killing 17 people and injuring numerous others. Nikolas Jacob Cruz has been charged with 17 counts of premeditated murder in connection with the shooting.

Rizzo played baseball on the high school's team and was drafted by the Boston Red Sox as a 17-year-old after graduating. Last year, he donated $150,000 to the school through his foundation as part of a $300,000 renovation project to add lights to the baseball and softball fields, the Sun-Sentinel reported at the time.

RELATED: Accused Parkland School Shooter Charged With 17 Counts Of Murder

Douglas, which is in South Florida and just north of Fort Lauderdale, won its first state baseball championship in 2016 and named national champs following the season.

Rizzo was reportedly leaving spring training to head to Parkland to offer his support in person Thursday.

Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo (Photo by Chris O'Meara | Associated Press)