Although Jason Heyward hasn’t yet played a game in a Chicago Cubs uniform, he’s known teammate David Ross since he made his debut with the Atlanta Braves in the 2010 season. Apparently, Ross has had a profound impact on Heyward’s career because Heyward just bought him the coolest retirement gift ever — a hotel suite for every road game in 2016.
“That’s one of the first emotional moments I had in the offseason,” Ross told MLB.com on Monday. “[Heyward] texted me this nice long message about supposedly what I’ve done for him. That was cool to start reflecting back and people you’ve played with start saying nice things.”
Ross, who will turn 40 in March, is one of the most consummate professionals in MLB, and he’s already announced that 2016 will be his last. Despite that being the case, he says he’s ready to show the young bucks who’s boss in camp this season.
“I’m going to have kids calling me ‘Grandpa’ around here. I’ll show ’em. I’ll get them out there and race them. I’ll race [Anthony] Rizzo and see who’s faster,” Ross joked.
While Ross makes light of the situation, Rizzo gives him all the credit in the world for last season as he posted a .278 batting average with 31 home runs and 101 RBIs.
“What I’ve learned from him last year and to this year and what I’m going to learn for the rest of my career from him being here, it’s huge to me,” Rizzo said. “I gave him all the credit in the world for last year, and I still give him credit. What he does in this clubhouse helps all of us young guys.”
Ross’s impact on the team is a big reason why the Cubs are the odds-on favorites to win the 2016 World Series.
