The 2016 Chicago Cubs had easily the picture perfect movie type season after topping it off with a World Series victory vs the Cleveland Indians. For David Ross, It was the best way to go out. Many of you wonder why or how is a back up catcher so loved in Chicago. Even David Ross doesn't know how he got to this position to be carried off the field on the biggest night of Chicago Cubs history in 108 years. But for us, as fans, his presence means much more than just stats.
When you think of a backup catcher maybe Steve Clevenger or Dioner Navarro come to mind. Those guys were apart of the rebuild when Theo came to Chicago. Now those names are completely irrelevant in Wrigleyville. Well in December of 2014, Theo & the Cubs would land the most beloved back up catcher of all time on the North Side; David Ross. Most fans remember waking up on December 10th, 2014 hearing the Cubs got All-Star, World Series winning, LHP Jon Lester for 6 years. That signing really solidified that the Cubs are ready to win now & no more waiting for next year. Not long after that came the signing of David Ross. Rossy was kind of Jon Lester's go to guy in Boston & they had chemistry within each other. Rizzo recalled talking to Ross in the 2014 offseason because they had the same agent and said, "This is the type of guy the Chicago Cubs need". David Ross wasn't a power guy by any means but he made a huge impact within the organization in the short two years he was here and that could never be taken away. He hit his 100th HR here at Wrigley, He ended a game with a snap throw to first in Washington, He pitched a perfect inning on the mound, He hit a walk off hit vs the Royals, He hit a HR in the NLDS, He caught a no hitter, became the oldest player to hit a game 7 home run, and he did something no player wearing a Cubs uniform has done in the last 108 years and thats win a World Series. Thanks to his sons, as he likes to call them, Anthony Rizzo and Kris Bryant came up with an Instagram in his final season. Grandpa Rossy became the nickname and stuck throughout the fans this whole 2016 season. Seeing David Ross tear up at the World Series parade made fans an emotional wreck. Rossy proved that a players worth sometimes mean more than statistics. He wasn't terrible either, by any means. Don't let that statement fool you. He did hit 10 home runs this past year along with 30+ RBI's at age 39. He held this team together and most certainly brought out the best in players. Those boys in red and blue have a good thing going right now and will for years to come. Even though David Ross may not be able to pick up a bat and come in in the 7th inning to pinch hit, he will be around more than usual. He was recently named special assistant to baseball operations. So he will be in the clubhouse in 2017 giving Kris Bryant and Anthony Rizzo grief and making sure these guys do what they do best and that's have fun while playing the best baseball they can. You're welcome whenever in Chicago, Rossy. Speaking for all of Cubs fans, we thank you & we're glad you were apart of the Cubs team who made someday today.
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Kyle MalzhanFounder who is an aspiring journalist who covers the Chicago Cubs daily. Archives
April 2020
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