Nick in the AM: Ben Zobrist's wife, Julianna Zobrist, files for divorce
Nick Vlahos of the Journal Star @vlahosnick
May 15, 2019 at 9:07 AM May 15, 2019 at 9:19 PM
The reason for Eureka native Ben Zobrist's absence from the Chicago Cubs has become apparent.
His wife wants a divorce. And so might he, apparently.
Julianna Zobrist's attorney filed paperwork Monday in Cook County Circuit Court, according to online records. On Wednesday morning, Cubs Insider was among outlets that reported the filing.
Other sources reported Julianna Zobrist scrubbed her social-media accounts of most references to her husband.
In Williamson County, Tenn., Ben Zobrist filed a complaint Monday for legal separation from Julianna Zobrist, according to the Tennessean newspaper of Nashville.
The complaint stated Julianna Zobrist has been guilty of inappropriate marital conduct that renders cohabitation impossible, the Tennessean reported.
"Husband is unsure if the marriage can be salvaged," the filing states.
The Zobrists were married in 2005 and own a residence in Williamson County. They have three children.
Julianna Zobrist, 34, is a Christian pop musician. Last year, she authored a book entitled "Pull It Off," in which she attempts to tackle negative thinking and how to counteract it.
Ben Zobrist left the Cubs last week for personal reasons. He also reported late to spring training this season and cited the same reason. His 38th birthday is May 26.
The Cubs did not elaborate about Zobrist's departure, nor state when he might return.
"I honestly couldn't even begin to surmise that," Cubs manager Joe Maddon said before Wednesday's game in Cincinnati, according to The Athletic. "I know you have to ask the question. I have no idea.
"Totally respect the man's privacy. Totally respect the man. I feel for him. Having gone through that process myself, it's no fun. For him to do it under these circumstances here, we just want to respect this privacy. There's no timeline involved. He will let us know."
Zobrist was MVP of the 2016 World Series. That's when the Cubs won the series for the first time in 108 years.
The Eureka High School graduate's big-league career began in 2006 with Tampa Bay. He also played for the 2015 World Series-winning Kansas City Royals.
Zobrist is in the final season of a four-year deal with the Cubs.
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