David Ross retired as a World Series Champion, a leader in the locker room, and with a hilarious nickname. Here's why it makes perfect sense for him to join the cast of Dancing with the Stars Season 24.
DWTS Pro: Lindsay Arnold
Most Known For: Baseball Player
Age: 39
1. A Different Kind of Backup
Ross was rarely in a position to be the starting catcher in his baseball career, but, he was a leader behind the scenes. When his body couldn't serve his team, he used his voice to mentor his teammates. As Evan Davis of the Hardball Times puts it, "quite simply, David Ross was the greatest backup catcher of his generation."
2. He Has Fun
Male athletes on Dancing with the Stars have done a lot to change the perception of ballroom dancing with men in America. But in order for that to happen, non-dancing celebrities need to buy into a process that has them moving their body, and wearing outfits, that doesn't resemble a shred of their comfort zone.
Self awareness and a sense of humor will really help - and Ross has an endless supply of those qualities.
3. Is Younger Than He Looks
So, you've got to figure, that anyone who has the nickname "Grandpa" probably has a few gray hairs. David Ross has a beard that looks like it's just one wilderness adventure away from bald Santa Claus, but you'd never guess the guy is 39. Which means he is actually 39, not a 59 year old using 39 as a placeholder for time itself.
1. He is Not the Baseball Player, Cody Ross
Although they both have the last name Ross, and both have the same taste in hairstyle (bald) and facial hair (bearded) - they are not, in fact, the same person, or even related.
2. He Won Championships With Two Legendary Teams
The Red Sox have won their fair share of World Series over the years, and Ross was a part of their win in 2013. The Cubs, on the other hand, had not won a World Series in 108 years, and Ross was part of their Championship team.
In 2016, not 1908.
3. He is an Author
With the help of sports journalist Don Yaeger, Ross shares his baseball story in his soon to be released book, Teammate.
4. He's The Oldest Player to Ever Hit a Home run
Game 7 of the 2016 World Series was the last game for David Ross, and he made quite the finale of it. Not only did the Cubs win the World Series for the first time in over a hundred years, but Ross became the oldest player to hit a home run in World Series History.
5. He is Currently Retired
Like many other guys called "Grandpa", David Ross is retired. While his baseball playing days are over, he has recently accepted a position as a special assistant in the baseball operations department for the Chicago Cubs.
Final Thought
David Ross is an attitude guy. He's positive, doesn't take himself too seriously, but deep down will do anything to help his team win.
Legendary sales trainer, Zig Ziglar, once said, "Your attitude, not your aptitude, will determine your altitude."
Based on that, the sky is the limit for Grampa Ross on DWTS 24.
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