In 2015, I wrote an article documenting all the people who toured my rental property, curious to see who would pay high rent rather than buying. Surprisingly, one of the prospects was professional baseball player Ben Zobrist, just before he became a World Series MVP with the Chicago Cubs.
Zobrist’s career was quite dynamic at the time. He was traded from Tampa Bay to the Oakland Athletics in early 2015 and wasn’t very well-known. Mid-season, he moved to the Kansas City Royals, who went on to win the World Series that year. Winning another championship with the Cubs the following year and earning MVP honors was extraordinary.
Here are some takeaways from my near experience of renting to Ben Zobrist:
1. Life is unpredictable – Just when you think things are static, they can change drastically. Zobrist’s trade, initially a surprise to him since he loved Tampa Bay, ended up being a beneficial career move. It’s a reminder never to give up, no matter how tough things seem.
2. Capitalize on your successes – After his World Series win with the Royals, Zobrist signed a lucrative contract with the Cubs. This shows the importance of seizing opportunities when you’re at the top of your game, rather than remaining complacent.
3. Live modestly – Despite his high earnings, Zobrist chooses to live in a small town away from the glitz during the offseason. This modesty is a trait that keeps his feet on the ground despite his fame and wealth.
4. Maintain good health – It’s easy to neglect physical fitness, especially with a sedentary lifestyle. Zobrist, however, appears much leaner in person than on TV, highlighting the distorted fitness perceptions we often have.
5. Prepare your property – My experience showed that having tenants in the house during showings can detract from the property’s appeal. A clean, vacant house is always more presentable.
6. Real estate as an investment – Owning property has been instrumental in my financial independence, generating significant rental income. Real estate can be a powerful asset in building wealth over time.
7. Be kind; it’s a small world – The chances of a baseball MVP touring a personal finance blogger’s open house might seem slim, but it happened. This underscores how small the world can be and the importance of kindness and respect in all interactions.
The rapid changes in life and opportunities, like those Zobrist experienced, remind us of the potential that lies in staying adaptable, making smart choices, and treating others well. These principles can lead to unexpected and rewarding paths in our own lives.
