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Chicago Cubs: Ben Zobrist has become “Mr. Clutch”
The hot-then-cold Chicago Cubs offense needed consistency. Someone needed to provide a spark. At 37 years old, Ben Zobrist has seemingly become that spark.
Way back in 2015, a few short months after helping lead the Kansas City Royals to their first World Series title in 35 years, Ben Zobrist landed with the Chicago Cubs and former manager Joe Maddon.
The “ageless wonder” super utility veteran joined Chicago on a four-year, $56 million contract. It is important to realize at the time Zobrist was already 34 years old. The man known by and large to many fans as merely ‘Zo’ has shown zero sign of slowing down. He is once again finding his groove in 2018 and is turning back into his usual role as the Cubs unsung hero.
A World Series to remember
As we reminisce on 2016, because let us be honest, any talk of the Chicago Cubs World Series championship never gets old.
Cubs fans understood just how valuable Zobrist became to the club. His RBI double in extra innings of Game 7 of the World Series will go down in history as probably the biggest hit in Cubs history.
During the 2016 World Series, Zobrist produced on another level. In the seven games, he slashed .357/.419/.500 with 2 RBI and 3 extra-base hits en route to winning the World Series MVP.
In his three World Series appearances, Zobrist is a career .293 hitter. Long story short, if you’re in need of someone to trust, it better be Ben Zobrist.
Chicago Cubs: Who ya gonna call? Ben Zobrist
It began last Friday afternoon. With the score tied 1-1 in the 7th inning of a matinee game versus the San Francisco Giants, Zobrist delivered a two-run double to break the tie. It would be the first of many big games to come.
Correspondingly, Zobrist is coming off an unbelievable last week in which he is slashing a ridiculous .370/.433/.741 with 2 HR and 7 RBI. He has also posted a video game-like .489 wOBA and 215 wRC+. Eye-popping numbers for a 37-year-old baseball player.
ZoBlast. #EverybodyIn pic.twitter.com/FlaDzpW6kp
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) May 30, 2018
This past Tuesday, in a division matchup with the Pittsburgh Pirates, the Cubs found themselves down by two until Zobrist stepped up. At the time, the Cubs had found it rough sailing versus Pirates rookie Nick Kingham. Zobrist proceeded to then hammer a two-run home run to bring them back into the game, and the Cubs finished strong for the comeback victory.
Chicago Cubs: Ben Zobrist keeps on keeping on
This weekend in New York failed to slow Zobrist down as racked up three-straight multi-hit games before getting Sunday’s finale off. Needless to say, Ben Zobrist has made Citi Field his own personal stomping ground.
The first game of the series the Cubs found themselves in a scoreless battle facing off against Seth Lugo. Once Lugo exited, Zobrist proceeded to greet newly entered Hansel Robles with a towering foul ball. A couple pitches later, Zo’ would get his, drilling a two-run home run. He finished the night 3-for-5.
.@benzobrist18 would NOT be denied. #EverybodyIn pic.twitter.com/lKSpc9Njbx
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) June 1, 2018
The following night, with the Cubs down 2-1, Zobrist once again delivered a mighty blow to Mets fans with a game-tying RBI double. Ultimately, it began another rally finishing with the Cubs claiming victory. Once again hitting in the lead-off spot, Zobrist finished 3-for-4.
Next: Does Albert Almora deserve an All-Star nod?
Furthermore, culminating what has been an insane last week for Zobrist, Cubs fans just knew it had to continue through last night. It began with fan favorite Albert Almora roping a tie-breaking RBI double into the gap. Zobrist then jaunted to the plate with the bases loaded, and in like manner, delivered yet another extra-base hit breaking the game open. Nevertheless, Mets fans are probably eager to see Zobrist out.
To October, and beyond
In his past three games, Ben Zobrist is slashing .533/.611/.933 with a .629 wOBA and a 311 wRC+. That being said, he has found himself stepping up as the veteran presence in the clubhouse when the Cubs were especially in need.
It’s important to remember that Ben Zobrist has a multitude of postseason experience. With this in mind, as the season progresses, and the Cubs inch ever closer to October, don’t be surprised when Zobrist is back in the thick as the lineup’s driving catalyst.