Ben Zobrist

Benjamin Thomas Zobrist, nicknamed "Zorilla", is a professional baseball player currently signed with the Tampa Bay Rays of Major League Baseball (MLB). He was born in Eureka, Illinois on May 26, 1981.

Zobrist, a switch hitter who throws right-handed, has played most positions in baseball with the exception of pitcher and catcher. He is utilized mainly as a shortstop, but with Jason Bartlett playing shortstop for the Rays, Zobrist is moved to second base. Zobrist's versatility was showcased during 2008 World Series, Game 3, against the National League champion Philadelphia Phillies, when he came in as part of a double switch to play right field.

Zobrist played college baseball for Dallas Baptist University and also played for Olivet Nazarene University. He was drafted by the Houston Astros in the 6th round of the 2004 Major League Baseball Draft. He and right-handed pitcher Mitch Talbot were traded to the Tampa Bay Rays for first baseman/designated hitter Aubrey Huff and cash on July 12, 2006.

His versatility was showcased during Game 3 of the 2008 World Series against the National League champion Philadelphia Phillies when he came in as part of a double switch to play right field. However, Zobrist initially played unusually shallow, in essence becoming a fifth infielder.

Ben Zobrist lives in Tennessee with his wife, Christian singer Julianna Zobrist and their son, Zion Benjamin, who was born on February 1, 2009. Zobrist is a former counselor for Camp of Champions USA, a Christian camp. He uses Christian rap artist TobyMac's song "Ignition" as his entrance song during the 2008 season.