Ben Zobrist birthday Q&A: What’s the key to his hot streak?

10:33 AM ET

CHICAGO — Just in time for his 35th birthday on Thursday, Chicago Cubs second baseman Ben Zobrist has found the baseball fountain of youth. Batting at perhaps the best level of his career, the .346 hitter sat down for a question-and-answer session, starting with what he’ll do on his special day, which falls on an off-day. He claims that has never happened before.

What’s the perfect thing to do on your birthday? It’s on an off-day this year.

Ben Zobrist: My favorite day is relaxing at home with family and friends. I don’t know what [Thursday] might look like because my family might have plans I don’t know about. It’s really just a nice breakfast with family, probably with some syrup involved. A little physical activity with my kids, then maybe a bike ride and a chill night at home.

OK, let’s get right to it. You’re as hot as anyone in baseball right now. You have answered this a bunch of times, but what has been the key for you during this run you’ve been on for three or four weeks now? You’ve been on fire.

BZ: I found some mechanical cues that really help me stay on time and see the ball well and help me feel prepared for the day. When I’m at the plate, I’m not thinking about what I’m trying to do with the bat — I’m thinking about what the pitcher is trying to do with the ball. If you’re free of mechanical thoughts and free of knowing that your body and bat are going to be in the right position at the right time, you can freely focus …

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