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Compiled by Kevin Goldstein, Chris Kline and Matt Meyers
June 15, 2005

CHARLESTON, W.Va.--Ben Zobrist is having another solid season in the Astros’ system. The 6-foot-3, 200-pound shortstop, drafted last season in the sixth round out of Dallas Baptist, is hitting .294 with 14 steals and 12 doubles in the shadow of teammate Hunter Pence in Lexington. Still, Zobrist is getting noticed by club officials.

"Ben is doing everything we've asked of him," farm director Ricky Bennett said. "The biggest thing for him is just gaining more experience."

We sat with Zobrist to find out how that process is going, what the team in Lexington is like and how baseball has possibly made him a better person.

On handling the grind of his first full season: "Physically, I don’t feel too good right now. I’ve had a few nagging things. Nothing I can’t play through, but I’ve never had to deal with injuries before. Other than that, I think I’m a lot more relaxed out there because I know I’m playing 150 games. One at-bat won’t make or break me."

On growing up in central Illinois between Cardinals and Cubs country: "Everyone in my immediate family is a Cardinal fan, but there are Zobrists who are Cubs fans. They really wanted me to get drafted by the Cubs just so they could give me a hard time. I don’t really consider myself a big fan, though. When I go to games, I’d rather study what the players are doing on the field."

On being drafted: "I was pretty sure I’d be drafted; I just didn’t know where. I was ecstatic to be taken in the sixth round, because I knew I’d have a little priority with the organization. I knew the Astros must’ve thought I was a good player. I haven’t played anywhere else, but I think the Astros are a class act. From what guys in other organizations have told me, the Astros are top notch."

On mingling with big league players during his first spring training: "I guess I’ve never been that star struck by professional athletes. In person, you see they’re just like everyone else. You realize they’re your peers, they’re just playing at a higher level."

On learning patience through baseball: "I used to be more overly intense about baseball. But playing every day and playing professionally takes endurance and patience. You have to think long-term, work hard every day and let it happen. Maybe God has used baseball to chip away at my impatient side."

--CHRIS GIGLEY

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