History lesson is David Ross' top moment with Joe West originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago
Joe West made history Tuesday night, and as it so happens, Cubs manager David Ross' most memorable moment with the umpire is a history lesson.
Well, history-ish lesson.
Feeling out of the loop? We'll catch you up on the Chicago news you need to know. Sign up for the weekly Chicago Catch-Up newsletter here.
Tuesday's Cardinals-White Sox game marks West's 5,376th career game as an umpire, breaking Bill Klem's record that stood since 1941. In spirit of the big moment, Ross reflected on his top moment with the veteran umpire.
During Ross' time as a Braves catcher (2009-12) he told West to "have a good one" shortly before a game got underway.
"He proceeded to tell me that's what they used to say in the olden days, when the guys would go out to use the restroom in the outhouse," said Ross with a chuckle prior to Tuesday's Cubs-Pirates game. "'Have a good one.'"
"I don't know whether that's true or not, but that always stood out to me," Ross added. "From then on out, I always told him to have a good one every time I interacted with him, to make sure that he would chuckle."
West's career started in 1976, and while he's been part of some controversies on the field, Ross said he has a lot of respect for him, echoing a sentiment felt throughout the game.
"There’s no wavering when you're around Joe," Ross said. "You consistently get the same guy, like him or not."
And even to this day, the outhouse story resonates with the Cubs manager.
"If I get him this year, I'll say the same thing at home plate before we start," Ross said.
Click here to subscribe to the Cubs Talk Podcast for free.
