Former Chicago Cubs star and 2016 World Series MVP Ben Zobrist MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR / USA TODAY NETWORK

Cubs 2016 World Series MVP announces mental health organization called Champion Forward

Originally posted on WI Sports Heroics | By Tyler Koerth_ | Last updated 8/24/23

The Chicago Cubs were World Series winners in 2016 and one key piece on the team that year was utility player Ben Zobrist. Zobrist was coming off a 2015 World Series championship with the Kansas City Royals, but with the Cubs that season he was an All-Star, World Series MVP, and had the hit that ignited a rally during game seven in the tenth inning.

Following the 2016 season Ben Zobrist went on to play major league baseball until 2019, which is when he retired from playing. He has since returned to his home to Tennessee and per an announcement on social media he has launched a mental health organization titled Champion Forward.

Chicago Cubs World Series MVP Ben Zobrist has launched a mental health organization called Champion Forward.

Ben Zobrist shared this life update on his Instagram:

“It’s been 4 years…and it’s about time for a life update. So Thank you to all who have supported me throughout my career and beyond into this next season. Tbh, I don’t love social media never have, but some things are just… pic.twitter.com/irfzxV2S5W

— Cubs Zone (@CubsZone) August 23, 2023

In short, here are some takeaways from the nearly three minute clip of Ben Zobrist talking about life and Champion Forward.

“I’ve become involved in two non-profit mental health programs, which is something that I have become very passionate about.”

“With the help of some friends we have developed an organization called Champion Forward and Champion Forward is uniquely designed for the competitor, caretaker, and the coach to not only be inspired but educated with some tools and resources that really help you deal with all the emotional and mental challenges that come with being a high performance athlete.”

Ben Zobrist also elaborates on that he will be posting more on social media regarding these mental health organizations, will be doing some speaking, and that resources are available online. He states his goal is to help individuals become the best version of themselves not only on the field, but off it as well.

This article first appeared on WI Sports Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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