David Ross Expected To Be Named New Manager Of Chicago Cubs
CHICAGO (CBS) -- David Ross wil be named the new manager of the Chicago Cubs, according to multiple reports.
Ross played for the North Siders and helped lead them to the World Series title in 2016. Fans remember the scene of "Grandpa Rossy" on the shoulders of players after the Cubs won the World Series.
Ross, 42, replaces Joe Maddon, whose contract was not renewed.
Maddon earlier this month was selected the new manager of the Los Angeles Angels.
Ross has never managed in the majors. He broke into the big leagues with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2002 and retired after the 2016 season. He also won a Word Series with the Boston Red Sox in 2013.
He played a pivotal role as a veteran team leader of a relatively young squad that beat the Cleveland Indians in the World Series. Since retiring, he has served as a special assistant for baseball operations for the Cubs.
The Cubs cannot make the annoucement until Thursday, under MLB rules that prohibit making official changes on the day of a World Series game. Game 2 between the Nationals and Astros is Wednesday night. Thursday is an off day.
As CBS 2's Megan Mawicke reported, it was clear that Ross had a special relationship with the Cubs even before the 2016 championship.
Ross is known for his inspirational leadership skills. He also has close relationships with current players, including Anthony Rizzo, Jason Heyward, and Jon Lester.
It remains to be seen how Ross will handle those relationships now that he's the boss, but holding players accountable is a factor that Cubs President of Baseball Operations Theo Epstein stressed he wanted in the team's next manager.
Ross has spent the last three years as a baseball TV analyst, and has also written a book and appeared on "Dancing with the Stars." Fans are hoping he's saved his best moves for his next gig.