Cubs News: Reverend Z: Carlos Zambrano is now a preacher |
CHICAGO -- Big Z is now 'Reverend Z' to many.
Former Chicago Cubs pitcher Carlos Zambrano had a colorful career during his time in the Windy City. He was a standout pitcher but his behavioral antics got the best of him like when he punched his own teammate Michael Barrett in the dugout. He will probably always be remembered for some of his wild behavior but he was also a standout pitcher and hitter until he flamed out with the Cubs in 2011. For his major league career, he had a record of 132-91 with a 3.66 ERA and 1,637 strikeouts. During his 10-year run with the Cubs, he was an All-Star in 2004, 2006, and 2008. He was also a three-time winner of the Silver Slugger Award at the pitcher position and had a no-hitter against the Houston Astros in 2008. Nowadays, Zambrano has mellowed out some and is actually a preacher at King Jesus Ministry in Miami. "I’ve been in Venezuela and Argentina, the Dominican Republic and many countries preaching the word of God,” he told the Chicago Tribune. “When I was in Chicago, I was a believer but I didn’t practice. Now I’m really committed.” Zambrano says that he has found peace with how he left things with the Cubs. "God erased that,” he said. "I’ve already asked God for forgiveness. It was part of the game and part of my determination to win and to get the Cubs a championship. So when I watched the Cubs win (in 2016), I was so proud." Great to see that Zambrano has worked on some of his anger issues and it will be fun to see him around Wrigley Field for years to come. Maybe if the Cubs continue to struggle offensively, the team might have to do a group prayer with Zambrano and ask the baseball gods for some hits (especially RISP) this season.
