David Ross is embracing his new role as Cubs manager
In a shortened MLB season, David Ross won’t have nearly as much time to prepare to make an immediate impact. Despite all of that, however, he’s embracing his new role. Ross was a former Cubs fan favorite long before he became manager of Chicago’s north side club, having spent the final two seasons of his big league career as the team’s backup catcher.
Ross’ Cubs career included some clutch moments, and for the many new faces that have joined the team since then, he’s placed a reminder of their ultimate goal in his office.
Cubs manager David Ross has a great memento to the Cubs 2016 World Series team in his office.
The 2016 Cubs won the team’s first World Series in 108 years. Surely Cubs fans would rather not deal with such a championship drought again, but waiting so long for World Series glory adds meaning, and Ross understands the impact is has to fans in Wrigleyville.
In Ross’ office, plastered to the wall like most of us would put a boring diploma, is a W flag. The symbol was the first time Cubs fans could ‘Fly the W’ as World Series champions after their Game 7 win over Cleveland in 2016.
Chicago is expected to contend with the likes of St. Louis and Milwaukee for the NL Central this season. Even with just a 60-game sample, any team with Javier Baez, Anthony Rizzo and Kris Bryant on it has to be considered among the best in the division.
Being that it’s Ross’ first season at the helm, however, suggests there will be bumps in the road. Despite all good feeling and stability he brings to the Cubs clubhouse given his very recent history as a player there, managing isn’t something that comes naturally. It’ll be learned over time, even by someone as capable and intelligent as the man Cubs fans call ‘Grandpa Rossy’.