The Chicago Cubs were top contenders from 2015 to 2020, then entered a rebuild in 2021-22 and returned to contention in 2023.
David Ross, who managed them from 2020 until 2023, lived the best and the worst of both worlds.
He was there to lead the Cubs to the 2020 postseason, although with a quick exit.
Then, he endured the 2021-22 dark days in which the franchise traded their best players – including some heroes of 2016 – and helped take the team back to contention this past season, even if he fell just short of making the playoffs.
In reality, Ross isn’t a bad manager: most Cubs fans respect and thank him for what he has done.
But the franchise decided to make a sizable investment to bring in one of the best managers in the game today, Craig Counsell, leaving Ross without a job.
Any other skipper would probably hold a grudge towards Counsell, but not Ross.
Counsell himself told the story of the excellent gesture Ross had with him.
“Craig Counsell says David Ross texted him even before the news broke: ‘I respect the heck out of David Ross,’” Cubs insider Jesse Rogers tweeted.
Craig Counsell says David Ross texted him even before the news broke: “I respect the heck out of David Ross.”
— Jesse Rogers (@JesseRogersESPN) November 13, 2023
Ross compiled a 262-284 record with a .480 winning percentage in four seasons as the Cubs manager.
He was also part of that 2016 team as a player, so fans have a lot of affection and respect for him.
He recognizes the ongoing trends in MLB, though, and understands the franchise’s decisions.
Accepting one’s fate and going out gracefully is part of what makes him great.
He always conducted himself like a gentleman, on and off the field, and he has Counsell’s respect as well as that of the entire league.
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