You go, ‘Grandpa’: David Ross started a wild double play
David Ross has never been a star in baseball, but he’s getting something pretty close to star treatment as he enters his final season as a player. That’s because the 38-year-old veteran has earned the respect of his peers and especially his teammates with the Chicago Cubs.
We say respect, because we can’t imagine players like Anthony Rizzo and Kris Bryant would call him ‘Grandpa’ Rossy if they felt any other way. And seeing as Ross is playing along with them, he obviously appreciates the acknowledgement.
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Here’s the thing though: Ross isn’t done yet. Though he won’t factor largely into the Cubs plans this season, he wants to show that he still has the ability to make an impact, and that’s exactly what he did during Friday’s Cactus League win against the Los Angeles Angels.
In the fourth inning, veteran infielder Cliff Pennington feebly attempted to get down a sacrifice bunt for Los Angeles. Instead, he popped the ball up into foul territory, forcing Ross to lumber with all of his might into position to catch it. Amazingly, Ross was able to get there, but it required a last-second dive that used every fiber of athleticism Ross has left, and perhaps some he never had to begin with.
It was that great an effort, but that was only part one.
As Ross landed, rolled and steadily regained his footing, baserunner C.J. Cron tagged up and attempted to advance from first to second base. That was a bad idea. Once Ross realized what was going on, he unleashed a strong and accurate throw to cut him down and end the inning.
He’s still got it indeed. That was a truly terrific play that would have been impressive if done by someone 10 or 20 years younger.
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“It’s just one of those things that it just kind of happened,” Ross said after the game. “I want to test myself. I was nervous going into the game. I want to play well. Like I’ve said, I don’t want to be a weak link on this team.”
Ross may get the old man treatment in jest, but you better believe his teammates would never view him a weak link. Even at 38, he’s one of the team’s strongest links because of the experience he brings and the desire he has to compete.
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Mark Townsend is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Townie813
