Ross gearing up for managing
2016 Game 7 homer hitter now Cubs’ dugout leader
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – This is not a debate about being ready or not. David Ross is ready.
“I wouldn’t say it’s pressure,” he said. “It’s a lot of thinking through things and trying to be prepared as possible to make sure your vision comes through. But I am ready. I am tired of talking about it. I am ready to put it into action.”
Ross – the new manager of the Cubs – is trying to enjoy his remaining downtime before the start of spring training in February in Arizona. That means embracing days spent with family and friends in his Tallahassee hometown, where he feels comfortable and welcomes the city’s sense of community. Be it enjoying breakfast, or dinner, with his children at Waffle House (yes, it’s a family fave) or playing nine holes at a nearby golf course, Ross appreciates those moments.
Yet, Ross, 42, is also leaving nothing to chance as he prepares for his first season being in charge in the dugout.
Cubs fans, long known among the best and most passionate across sports, have watched Ross’ every move since he was hired in October to replace Joe Maddon.
The Cubs – transformed from lovable losers to World Series champs – missed the postseason last year for the first time since 2014.
Ross inherits a roster with both talent and its share of questions. He’s excited, energized and thankful for the opportunity to manage this iconic franchise. As he prepares multiple spring training speeches for players, staff and employees, his message will be constant.
“When you get down to the nitty-gritty … start at the basis of what creates a good team and winning atmosphere, and that starts with respecting each other and holding each other accountable, every single day,” Ross said in an interview with the Tallahassee Democrat.
Ross, a beloved figure in Chicago after hitting a Game 7 home run in the Cubs’ World Series win in 2016, has heard the concerns, too.
Fans wonder about his ability to manage his former teammates and his lack of prior coaching experience.
He knows his fan-favorite status won’t be worth a warm beverage in Wrigleyville if the Cubs struggle.
Ross, however, points out that he has prepared for this opportunity his entire life.
In a way, he feels as if his baseball career has traveled full circle, from his youth at Capital Park to his 15-year professional career that was punctuated by World Series titles in Boston (2013) and in Chicago.
“I feel like I just have always pushed forward to what’s next, where you are in life and what your next goal is,” said Ross, who came to embody unbridled enthusiasm during his playing career. “My life has been go-go-go, non-stop, with great opportunities and cool things I have been able to take advantage of in my life.”
Ross has always understood the importance of preparation, accountability and structure.
Ross attended baseball’s winter meetings in early December in San Diego and is working closely with Cubs president Theo Epstein, general manager Jed Hoyer and others within the organization to make sure the club is poised for success.
Ross will soon reach out to players to see how their offseason has gone. The 35th Annual Cubs Convention, where fans and players interact, is Jan. 17-19. Ross will also jet to London to promote the team’s two-game series against the Cardinals at West Ham’s Olympic Stadium on June 13-14.
And before he departs for spring training, Ross will take a couple of nights to watch the replays of the World Series titles he helped win in Boston and in Chicago as “a reminder for me how special those moments are and what you are trying to create to make history with guys.”
Ross further explained that while he appreciates those memories, they reflect the mentality that’s needed for clubs to come together over a long season and overcome adversity.
While he has been on the job for only a few months, Ross is quickly learning that being a manager is more than overseeing on-field team strategy.
“I think the cool thing for me is the opportunity to put your stamp on so many departments,” Ross said. “They want to know what I think, what my passions are and what I want in just about every area of the organization. The cool part is you get to finally say and put into action what your beliefs are and what you think winning is. And trying to build a culture that you always feel was so important and what that mentality looks like.”
Ross knows what it takes to win. Viewed as the consummate teammate, he helped tutor players on how to prepare and understand the game.
And while he expects to face different challenges in his new leadership role in the dugout, he will lean on the fundamental qualities that have helped him throughout his life.
That’s why he’s ready.
“The foundational pieces for me what establishes winning, you have to have good players obviously,” Ross said. “We are going do our drill work and we are going to get ready. …
“My message will be about creating relationships. It’s about respecting one another. Let’s get back to the basics to what good human beings look like and how you invest in one another.”