Sometimes, things really do play out the way you’d dream it up.
Officially, David Ross got his sendoff from the Cubs on Friday, in a surprise tribute to the back-up catcher who became so much more in his two years with the club. But it was last night’s game, Ross’s final regular season game at home, where he got his real send-off into retirement from the fans: a standing ovation every time he came to the plate, a curtain call after he homered to give the Cubs their first run, and another after he was removed from the game in the 7th inning.
It was touching and special in the way only unplanned moments can be, and a perfect way to cap off Ross’s time with the Cubs. The curtain closes with Ross waving to the fans who’ve come to love him as though he’d been their grandpa for decades.
It’s hard to say exactly why some players connect so much with the fans in such a short time, though, with Ross, it’s a little less difficult to articulate: he’s a beloved teammate, a clubhouse leader, a positive energy, and guy who improves the baseball experience of all around him, including the fans. Sure, he was “only” a back-up catcher, and sure it was “only” two years. But they’ve been fantastic years for the Cubs, and whether it showed on the field or not, Ross was a huge part of that.
Ross may have come up with the Dodgers, bounced to the Reds, established himself with the Braves, and won a championship with the Red Sox, but he is a Cub. He’s ours. [adinserter block=”1″]
If you missed the show last night, here’s a clip of his homer and the two curtain call moments:
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Just perfect. Storybook stuff. Truly.
The homer was Ross’s 10th – the first time he’d hit double digits since 2007. It brought his line up to .233/.343/.454, good for a 105 wRC+. Though he’s had just 202 plate appearances this year, he’s been worth 1.8 WAR (and that’s without considering pitch-framing, at which he’s among the best in baseball). That’s the 7th highest WAR among ALL catchers with at least 200 PAs in the NL this year.
As far as farewell seasons go, Ross’s is about as good as it gets. Though I suppose capping it off with a certain historic postseason run would move that needle quite a bit further …
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We don’t know exactly what Ross will be doing next year, as he might take some time off from baseball to spend with his family. But if and when he’s ready to move on to the next step in his career, you better believe the Cubs will be open to having him on board in some capacity. And Cubs fans will go right on loving him.
More on Ross’s finale and tears here and here.
Forever young. pic.twitter.com/4CQ6J780hB
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) September 26, 2016
Thank you. #YearLongRetirementParty pic.twitter.com/msHUPOh6lq
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) September 26, 2016
Last Photos from the @D_Ross3 game: Our hero takes his final curtain call, celebrating with fans and @Cubs teammates @BleacherNation pic.twitter.com/dZHWJm3DWH
— MBDChicago (@MBDChicago) September 26, 2016
Photos from the @D_Ross3 game, part 2: Our hero reacts to his first standing ovation @Cubs @BleacherNation pic.twitter.com/7k4KPJM4i5
— MBDChicago (@MBDChicago) September 26, 2016
Wrigley Field salutes you, @D_Ross3.https://t.co/LgoFtaykqI
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) September 26, 2016
Thank you for making last night so special for @D_Ross3. If it was earlier in the year, he may have done a DL stint for strained tear ducts.
— Jon Lester (@JLester34) September 26, 2016
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