Chicago Cubs: What is former pitcher Carlos Zambrano up to these days?

Long before this group of young talent, the Chicago Cubs had themselves a duel-threat pitcher. Whatever happened to that certain individual?

Imagine yourself going through 10-plus years of pushing your body to the limit and suddenly, you’re living a normal life again. Something that every professional athlete needs to deal with at some point.

So, how has former Chicago Cubs right-hander Carlos Zambrano been handling life as a normal citizen of society? Well, I don’t think anyone quite expected to hear previous reports that were posted over at the Chicago Tribune.

First, a little backstory on the man known to baseball fans as none other than Big Z. Zambrano, now 36, made his big league debut with the Cubs back in late-August 2001.

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While taking on the division rival, Milwaukee Brewers, Carlos picked up his first career loss in a 10-2 game at Wrigley Field.

In that game, Zambrano gave up a triple and a three-run homer before he was removed from the game.

Spoiler alert: he would later pitch a no-hitter in Milwaukee’s ballpark a couple of seasons later against the Houston Astros.

Despite an ugly start to a career, Zambrano settled in nicely and eventually began to find his stride. Not only on the mound but in the batter’s box as well.

Three nods and a punch

Over the course of 10 years with the Chicago Cubs, aside from punching Michael Barrett, Zambrano put up award-worthy performances. Most noteworthy, his ability to swing the bat on both sides of the plate.

A special and much-needed talent he brought to the North Side, recording a total of 23 home runs, 69 RBI and 159 hits. These stats were enough to earn him three Silver Slugger awards along with as many All-Star nods.

Let’s not forget the fact that he hit six big flies in 2006. Meanwhile, on the mound, he managed to pick up 13 or more wins each season from 2003 to 2008. A year after being traded to the Miami Marlins, Zambrano ended his big league career with a 132-91 record, 3.66 ERA and a little over 1,600 strikeouts.

What’s next?

According to the Chicago Tribune, the former switch-hitting hurler turned a leaf by becoming an elder at a local church in Miami, Florida. Yes, you read that correctly.

"“Call me whatever you want. I’ll tell you what, I feel peace, something money and fame couldn’t get (me). When I was playing my career, I was so empty.” — Zambrano via Chicago Tribune."

Also stated in the article posted on the Chicago Tribune, Zambrano told reporters that he was a believer while in Chicago but didn’t practice. With that said, Carlos isn’t the only professional who has turned to religion after walking away from a career.

For example, former Indianapolis Colts head coach, Tony Dungy has spoken on religion publically before.

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Respectable, if you find something you love no matter what it may be. Do you, Big Z, do you.