Athletics shortstop Ben Zobrist and his wife Julianna took out a full-page ad in the Tampa Bay Times on Sunday to thank Rays fans for their support. Zobrist had been with the Rays since 2006, when he came over long with pitcher Mitch Talbot from the Astros in exchange for Aubrey Huff.
Earlier this month, the Rays traded Zobrist along with shortstop Yunel Escobar to the Athletics in exchange for John Jaso, cash, and minor leaguers Boog Powell and Daniel Robertson. Zobrist, 33, can become a free agent after the season.
Here’s the ad, via Marc Topkin:Heartfelt thank you to #Rays officials, players and fans from Ben + @JuliannaZobrist in @TB_Times ad today pic.twitter.com/r7vCImppfF
— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) January 18, 2015
Over parts of nine major league seasons with the Rays, Zobrist batted .264/.354/.429 with 114 home runs, 102 stolen bases, and 511 RBI. He was named to two All-Star teams, in 2009 and in 2013.