Chicago Cubs: Game of Thrones and the Cubs’ Long Winter (Part 1)

Chicago Cubs: A man of many roles and positions

Ben Zobrist, often described as Joe Maddon’s “swiss-army knife,” is certainly more than used to playing different roles and wearing different faces.  In fact, you might even say that he’s the faceless man because he will be whatever Joe Maddon needs him to be.

Jaqen H’ghar is one of the most mysterious and simultaneously likable characters in the Game of Thrones’ world. He has served as advisor and mentor to Arya Stark since season 1, eventually producing another faceless (wo)man who becomes, essentially, no one.

While Arya has finished her training and is fully versed in the ways of the faceless men by the end of Season 6, and certainly by the end of Season 7 where we sit right now, no one would be surprised if Jaqen makes a final cameo in his last season and has a part to play in a defining battle for Westeros.

Who better amongst the current Cubs to serve as mentor for a group of youngsters in such an unassuming and less-than-glorious role than Ben Zobrist? Zobrist is a master batsman at the plate when healthy, fighting off any pitcher, and always coming through in the clutch.  He is able to wear many faces (gloves) and move all over the field seamlessly and effortlessly, providing stability and competence wherever he goes.

And while he was the 2016 World Series MVP, he rarely receives the credit he is due for his leadership, production, and wily ways.  He is able to slink into the shadows and go unnoticed amongst other big names on the team, but when you least expect it and need him most, he is there, reminding us: “Valar Dohaeris” and “Valar Morghulis.”  (Doesn’t this sound like something Joe Maddon would put on a t-shirt?) Zobrist has no doubt served the Cubs well, and also serves as a gentle reminder that this era of Cubs’ baseball will one day come to an end.