CHICAGO – It’s not a scene which is foreign to him. That’s saying something from a professional ballplayer.
But this is a man who has been managed by Joe Maddon in two different places. So Ben Zobrist has seen it all, including the scene that unfolded in the Cubs’ clubhouse on Thursday afternoon.
“We had a Mariachi Band come after an extra inning loss, believe it or not,” said Zobrist, remembering a Rays game back in 2012. “They were in the clubhouse playing and everyone was having a good time.”
Once again that was the case on Thursday, which happened to be Cinco de Mayo. Media cameras weren’t allowed in to see the band but a number of players took to Social Media to share the performance.
https://twitter.com/DexterFowler/status/728313257619009537
Like he did in Tampa, Maddon decided to bring in a Mariachi Band to celebrate the occasion and perhaps loosen up the group before a four-game series with the Washington Nationals.
At the moment they are right at the top of the Major League Baseball standings right next to the Cubs. It’s a highly anticipated match-up at Wrigley Field that’s attracted national attention, yet it’s the band that was on Maddon’s mind before his team took the field.
“My favorite moment was their solid rendition of “Tequila” that was resonating throughout the entire clubhouse,” said Maddon, who once again was deflecting pressure from his team with a unique act. “It’s something I’ll probably never forget.”
Neither will the majority of the players who haven’t had a Mariachi Band in their clubhouse before, like catcher David Ross. Just like Maddon, he referenced the “Tequila” song as one of his favorite moments.
“We were all yelling in here,” said Ross of another memorable non-baseball experience he’s had under the management of Maddon.
Though some were lucky enough to have it be their second time to be serenaded in a Major League Baseball clubhouse.
