David Ross, known for his leadership and defensive skills, spent his Major League Baseball career primarily as a catcher. Born on March 19, 1977, in Bainbridge, Georgia, Ross attended Auburn University and later transferred to the University of Florida, where he played college baseball for the Florida Gators. His professional journey began when he was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the seventh round of the 1998 MLB Draft.
Ross made his MLB debut with the Dodgers in 2002. Over the next few years, he played for several teams, including the Pittsburgh Pirates, San Diego Padres, Cincinnati Reds, Boston Red Sox, Atlanta Braves, and Chicago Cubs. His career was characterized by his ability to work well with pitchers and his knack for hitting timely home runs, despite not being known for a high batting average.
During his time with the Cincinnati Reds from 2006 to 2008, Ross established himself as a reliable catcher. He hit a career-high 21 home runs in the 2006 season, showcasing his power at the plate. His defensive skills were also highly regarded, as he was adept at managing pitching staffs and controlling the running game.
Ross's tenure with the Boston Red Sox, from 2008 to 2012 and again in 2013 to 2014, was marked by his role as a backup catcher and mentor to younger players. In 2013, he played a crucial role in the Red Sox's World Series championship run. His leadership and experience were invaluable during the postseason, and he contributed a key hit in Game 5 of the World Series against the St. Louis Cardinals.
In 2015, Ross signed with the Chicago Cubs, where he became a beloved figure both on and off the field. His leadership qualities were instrumental in guiding a young Cubs team. In 2016, Ross played a vital role in the Cubs' historic World Series victory, their first in 108 years. He hit a memorable home run in Game 7 against the Cleveland Indians, becoming the oldest player to hit a home run in a World Series Game 7 at the age of 39.
After retiring as a player following the 2016 season, Ross transitioned into a broadcasting role with ESPN, where he provided analysis and commentary on MLB games. His knowledge of the game and engaging personality made him a popular figure among fans and viewers.
In 2019, Ross returned to the Cubs as their manager, bringing his leadership skills and understanding of the game to the role. Under his guidance, the Cubs made the playoffs in the shortened 2020 season. Ross's managerial career continued to evolve as he worked to develop the team's young talent and navigate the challenges of leading a major league club.
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