COVER STORY
should keep an eye on him . . . might make a scout or coach when he’s done playing.’ ’’
Ross returned to the Red Sox four years later after serving as a backup catcher with the Braves. It was then that Ross happened to be the right guy in the right place at the right time.
Ross went on to win a World Series with the Red Sox before joining the Cubs to be lefthander Jon Lester’s personal catcher and a clubhouse leader in 2015.
And, well, you know what happened next. But here’s what you might not know or remember about Ross’ long journey that took the new Cubs manager from the East Coast to the West Coast and back before he landed in Chicago.
For starters, Ross was born in Bainbridge, Georgia, but grew up in Tallahassee, Florida. And he spent his summers helping his father at a meat-packing plant.
Ross didn’t grow up a baseball fan. He thought it was boring to watch, and he preferred to switch the channel to basketball or a game show.
But Ross loved to play baseball.
He earned a scholarship to play at Auburn, where he played one season before transferring to Florida.
The Dodgers drafted Ross in the seventh round of the 1998 draft — 12 rounds higher than where they selected him in 1995. It was then that Ross decided to leave school and play professional ball.
Ross didn’t make his major-league debut with the Dodgers until June 29, 2002, when he was 25. It wasn’t a glamorous start considering he struck out as a pinch hitter. But Ross went on to play for seven teams in his 15-season career.
His career highlights include a World Series title in 2013 with the Red Sox. He then became the embodiment of the 2016 Cubs.
After blasting a homer in Game 7 of the 2016 World Series, Ross ended his career how every major-league player dreams — soaked in sweat, tears, beer and champagne.
Life after playing baseball remained just as hectic for Ross, who became a Cubs advisor and an ESPN analyst.
Ross also shook his groove thing on national television, finishing as the runner-up on a season of ‘‘Dancing With the Stars.’’
Oh, and did we mention his memoir became a New York Times bestseller?
Eleven years ago, Epstein saw managerial potential with Ross when he was a backup catcher. Now, the Cubs believe he’s the right guy to bring them back to the World Series.
“David is as gifted a leader as I’ve ever come across,” Epstein said. “And I expect him to become a great manager.” ✶