Timeline: David Ross' Journey With the Chicago Cubs

Ross was first signed by the team in 2014

The Chicago Cubs’ search for a managerial candidate is reportedly over, and the team didn’t have to look far as it has apparently hired Baseball Operations Special Assistant David Ross as the team’s new skipper.

Ross retired in 2016 after a two-year stint with the Cubs, and after a nearly-month long interview process, the team has reportedly settled on him as the new leader of the club.

How did Ross get here? To help answer that question, here is a brief timeline of Ross’

Dec. 23, 2014 – David Ross Signs With the Cubs

Following the lead of his friend and former Red Sox teammate Jon Lester, Ross signs a two-year deal with the Cubs.

May 9, 2015 – Ross Changes Positions

For the first time in his career, Ross stepped up to the pitcher’s mound and threw a scoreless inning against the Milwaukee Brewers. He pitched again that season, throwing a scoreless inning against the Phillies before hitting a home run.

Sept. 20, 2015 - Ross Announces Retirement Plans 

Ross announced that he planned to leave the game of baseball after the 2016 season, and the Cubs ended up making it a season to remember, showering him with gifts and showcasing his interactions with his teammates on social media. 

Nov. 2, 2016 – Ross Helps the Cubs Make History

In his final game as a player, Ross clubbed a home run off of Cleveland Indians reliever Andrew Miller, and was ultimately carried off the field as the Cubs won Game 7 of the World Series.

Jan. 14, 2017 – Ross Hired as Adviser

Ross was hired as a special assistant to the team’s baseball operations department, keeping him involved with the team even as he ventured into other areas.

March 1, 2017 – Ross Dances With the Stars

Ross was announced as a contestant on “Dancing With the Stars,” and he came close to winning as he finished in the runner-up spot behind Rashad Jennings.

Nov. 9, 2017 – Ross Watches as Hyde Hired as Bench Coach

While some rumblings had surfaced that the Cubs would potentially hire Ross as their bench coach after the 2017 season, the team instead went on to hire Brandon Hyde to the role. Hyde lasted one season before being hired as the manager of the Baltimore Orioles.

Sept. 29, 2019 – Joe Maddon’s Departure Announced

On the last day of the season, the Cubs confirmed that Maddon would not be back as the team’s manager after five seasons. Ross’ name immediately began to come up in speculation over the role.

Sept. 30, 2019 – Theo Confirms The Obvious

In a press conference the day after the end of the regular season, Cubs President Theo Epstein said that Ross was indeed a candidate for the managerial role. Ultimately Ross, Will Venable, and Mark Loretta were among those in the Cubs’ organization who interviewed for the job.

Oct. 22, 2019 – Ross Has Second Interview

A day after Astros bench coach Joe Espada reportedly got a second interview with the Cubs, Ross also spoke to the team again, according to NBC Sports Chicago’s Kelly Crull.

Oct. 23, 2019 – The Search is Reportedly Over

According to multiple reports, the Cubs have landed on Ross as their new manager, just three years after he hung up his catchers’ gear for the final time.

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