2016 LEGEND COMES HOME; CUBS STUN MLB BY REUNITING ROSS WITH THE DUGOUT HE ONCE LED
CHICAGO, IL—In a move that has sent an emotional jolt through the North Side, the Chicago Cubs have officially announced that David Ross is returning to the organization. Two years after his shocking dismissal as manager, the man affectionately known as “Grandpa Rossy” is back at Wrigley Field—not as the skipper, but in a specialized Senior Coaching & Strategy role designed to bridge the gap between the front office and the clubhouse.
The announcement comes at a pivotal moment for the franchise. Despite a successful 2025 season that saw the Cubs reach the NLDS under Craig Counsell, a sense of “identity search” has lingered among the fans. The return of Ross, a 2016 World Series hero, is being viewed as the ultimate move to “rekindle the faith” and inject the “championship DNA” that Ross embodies.
THE COUNSELL-ROSS DYNAMIC: A SURPRISING ALLIANCE
The most shocking aspect of the return is the partnership between Ross and the man who replaced him, Craig Counsell. Rather than awkward tension, the Cubs are framing this as a “brain trust” move.
- The Role: Ross will serve as a Major League Staff Assistant and Catching Coordinator, working directly with the active roster while assisting Counsell with in-game strategy and clubhouse culture.
- The “Spark” Factor: Inside the organization, there is a belief that while Counsell provides the tactical “chess master” approach, Ross brings the “raw emotion and accountability” that defined the 2016 clubhouse.
- Clubhouse Reception: Current Cubs leaders like Ian Happ and Dansby Swanson reportedly pushed for the reunion, citing Ross’s unique ability to connect with players on a personal level.
WRIGLEY’S REACTION: REKINDLING THE FAITH
Outside the Marquee Sports Network studios, fans gathered to celebrate the return of a player who famously homered in Game 7 of the 2016 World Series. For many, Ross represents the “soul” of the Cubs.
| David Ross Career Timeline | Role | Legacy |
| 2015–2016 | Backup Catcher | “Grandpa Rossy,” Game 7 HR, World Series Champion. |
| 2020–2023 | Manager | 262 wins, 2020 NL Central Title. |
| 2024–2025 | Hiatus / Team USA | Served as Bullpen Coach for the 2026 WBC staff. |
| Dec 2025 | Staff Return | Reunited with Chicago to “rekindle” the fan base. |
IMMENSE PRESSURE FOR THE FUTURE
While the move is celebratory, it brings a new layer of pressure. Having a former manager—and a fan favorite—sitting in the dugout alongside the current manager is a bold gamble. Analysts are already speculating: if the Cubs struggle early in 2026, will the “Rossy” chants put undue pressure on Counsell?
For now, the Cubs are betting that the “historical significance” of Ross’s presence outweighs the potential for friction. In the words of one team source: “We don’t just want to win games; we want to win with the heart of Chicago. David Ross is that heart.”
