Ben Zobrist was one of the busiest Cubs players following their first World Series title since 1908.
And Zobrist doesn’t have to walk far to be remembered of the perks of helping the Cubs beat the Indians in seven games in November.
"I got one sitting out in the parking lot," quipped Zobrist, who was referring to the Chevrolet Camaro he received for winning World Series most valuable player honors.
Because of a crazy schedule, Zobrist didn’t order his car until about four weeks ago, but the car was shipped to Mesa in time for spring training.
Zobrist’s busy schedule included an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live and a trip to Disney World with his family that he described as three days’ worth of activities squeezed into six hours. He also was touched when he was honored on the video board at a Bulls game.
Zobrist also got a key to his hometown of Eureka and was the grand marshal of a Christmas parade in his current residence of Franklin, Tenn.
And in a span of 2 1/2 weeks, Zobrist was part of the Cubs’ party that was honored at the White House as guests of President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, and then delivered the opening prayer at the National Prayer Breakfast and shook hands with presidential successor Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence.
"Just being put in arenas that you’re not being used to put in, just because you were able to do something as an athlete is pretty special," Zobrist said.
Zobrist wasn’t able to bring his MVP trophy to Mesa because it had been sent to him in a large, protective case that currently resides at his Tennessee home. But the memories of the celebration were more valuable to him.
"The biggest thing was how that championship connected families and family members, for so many people," Zobrist said. "It almost was like a reunion of sorts. And for even loved ones who had gone before, it was just a remembrance of times in the past where they always hoped the Cubs would win and it hadn’t happened.
"For it to finally happen was a family experience. It’s not really about us, but it’s about families experiencing life together and enjoying the entertainment of watching Cubs baseball together. And for them, it’s family time."
Photos as the Cubs practice at spring training in Mesa, Ariz.
For Zobrist, family time is important in his Northcenter home, where he can spend more time with his wife and children, feeling a sense of community and even having the option of riding a bicycle to Wrigley Field.
"That’s the part of the special thing about playing for the Cubs that you can’t get in other places," Zobrist said.
Zobrist appreciated the respect and space his neighbors gave him until after Game 7. Zobrist was playing with his kids a day after winning the World Series when a few neighborhood kids asked if they would sign some items.
Zobrist elected to sign some items for the first time, but “the next thing you know, people from surrounding neighborhoods heard and starting coming over.
"Just to go on the record, it’s not happening all year long this year," Zobrist smiled. "I will treat my house as my home, and our neighbors are our neighbors."
Caption Joe Maddon on Tim Buss
Chicago Cubs manager Joe Maddon comments on strength coach Tim Buss’s clubhouse antics. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)
Chicago Cubs manager Joe Maddon comments on strength coach Tim Buss’s clubhouse antics. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)
Caption Joe Maddon on Tim Buss
Chicago Cubs manager Joe Maddon comments on strength coach Tim Buss’s clubhouse antics. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)
Chicago Cubs manager Joe Maddon comments on strength coach Tim Buss’s clubhouse antics. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)
Caption Cubs’ Ben Zobrist on World Series perks, playing time
Cubs’ Ben Zobrist talks about World Series perks and his playing time. (Mark Gonzales/Chicago Tribune)
Cubs’ Ben Zobrist talks about World Series perks and his playing time. (Mark Gonzales/Chicago Tribune)
Caption Cubs’ Kyle Schwarber on his catching session
Cubs’ Kyle Schwarber on his catching session. (Mark Gonzales/Chicago Tribune)
Cubs’ Kyle Schwarber on his catching session. (Mark Gonzales/Chicago Tribune)
Caption Cubs’ manager Joe Maddon on Ben Zobrist
Cubs’ manager Joe Maddon on Ben Zobrist and the Arizona weather. (Mark Gonzales/Chicago Tribune)
Cubs’ manager Joe Maddon on Ben Zobrist and the Arizona weather. (Mark Gonzales/Chicago Tribune)
Caption Joe Maddon on Cubs’ team meeting, spring training plans
Cubs manager Joe Maddon discusses a team meeting and spring training plans on Saturday, Feb. 18, 2017, in Mesa, Ariz. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)
Cubs manager Joe Maddon discusses a team meeting and spring training plans on Saturday, Feb. 18, 2017, in Mesa, Ariz. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)
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