In a candid and unexpected revelation, MLB manager David Ross, who has been at the helm of the Chicago Cubs since 2020, admitted during a recent interview that he seriously contemplated stepping away from the game last season. This shocking admission has sent ripples through the baseball community, especially among Cubs fans, many of whom have grown to respect Ross for his leadership both as a player and as a manager.
Ross’s decision to reveal such a deeply personal struggle offers insight into the often unseen pressures of leading a professional sports team and shines a light on the toll that a challenging season can take on even the most resilient figures in the game.
### The Shock of the Admission
Ross made the revelation during an off-season interview with local Chicago media, where he reflected on the trials and tribulations of the 2023 season. While he typically exudes confidence and a down-to-earth demeanor, Ross admitted that the stress and weight of managing a big-market team like the Cubs had taken a significant toll on him, both professionally and personally.
“I’m not going to lie, there were times last year where I seriously thought about quitting,” Ross said. “I love this game, and I love this team, but last season really tested me in ways I wasn’t expecting. The grind, the pressure, the expectations — it all just started to feel overwhelming at times.”
The stunning confession shocked many who have followed Ross’s career. Known for his toughness and perseverance, especially during his playing days as a catcher, this moment of vulnerability showed a different side of him. It also highlighted the immense mental strain that comes with managing in the major leagues, a job often viewed from the outside as glamorous but fraught with stress behind the scenes.
### The 2023 Cubs Season: A Year of Struggle
To understand Ross’s admission, it’s crucial to revisit the 2023 Cubs season. The Cubs entered the year with high hopes after a rebuilding phase and a strong offseason that saw the acquisition of key players aimed at pushing the team back into playoff contention. Expectations were high, but the season was marred by inconsistency, injuries, and a series of late-game collapses that left the team outside the postseason picture once again.
Throughout the season, Ross found himself under increasing scrutiny. Fans and media criticized his managerial decisions, particularly in tight games where bullpen management became a recurring issue. As the losses piled up and the team’s playoff hopes dimmed, the pressure mounted, both from outside sources and within the organization.
“Last season felt like an emotional rollercoaster,” Ross explained. “We had moments where we thought we were turning a corner, and then something would happen that just sent us spiraling. As a manager, you take that to heart. It’s hard to sleep at night sometimes when you’re trying to figure out what went wrong.”
In addition to the external pressure, Ross spoke about the personal struggles he faced during the season. The relentless travel, long hours, and the emotional investment in every game took a toll on his mental health, something he said he hadn’t experienced in his first few years as a manager.
“I’ve always prided myself on being tough, on being able to push through anything. But last season was different. It was the first time I really questioned whether this was still the right path for me,” Ross confessed.
### The Weight of Expectations
Ross’s journey from World Series-winning catcher to MLB manager has been one filled with high expectations. As a key figure in the Cubs’ historic 2016 World Series championship team, Ross returned to Chicago in 2020 as a beloved figure. Many expected him to bring that same winning culture back to the dugout as a manager.
However, the reality of managing a team in transition proved to be a much greater challenge. The Cubs’ roster in Ross’s first few seasons featured a mix of aging veterans and young, unproven talent, making it difficult to replicate the success of his playing days. After a promising start in 2020, where the Cubs made the playoffs in a shortened season, the next two years were marked by disappointing finishes.
By 2023, the pressure for Ross to turn the team around reached a boiling point. Every decision was scrutinized, and the weight of those expectations became a constant burden.
“In this job, you’re always being judged,” Ross said. “It doesn’t matter if you had success in the past, people want results now. And when those results don’t come, it’s easy to start feeling like you’re letting everyone down — the fans, the front office, the players. That’s a lot to carry every day.”
### Support from the Team
Despite his personal struggles, Ross was quick to point out that his players and the Cubs organization remained supportive throughout the difficult season. In particular, Ross credited several veteran players for helping him through some of the toughest moments.
“I can’t thank the guys enough for having my back,” Ross said. “There were days where I was down, and they picked me up. That’s the kind of team we have here — it’s more than just baseball. It’s a family. And that’s what kept me going, even when I thought about stepping away.”
In response to Ross’s admission, several Cubs players publicly expressed their support for their manager. “Skip’s been through it all with us,” said Cubs star shortstop Dansby Swanson. “He’s not just our manager; he’s one of us. To hear that he went through something like that, it just shows how much he cares about this team and this city.”
The Cubs front office also voiced its backing of Ross, with President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer emphasizing that the organization has full confidence in his leadership. “Managing in the big leagues is one of the toughest jobs in sports, especially in a market like Chicago,” Hoyer said. “We know David is the right person to lead this team, and we believe in him.”
### A Renewed Focus for the Future
While Ross’s admission has sparked widespread discussion, it has also brought to light the importance of mental health and the often unspoken challenges that come with managing a professional sports team. Ross expressed that, after considering stepping away, he ultimately decided to continue because of his love for the game and his belief in the Cubs’ future.
“I thought about quitting, but at the end of the day, this is where I belong,” Ross said. “I’ve still got a lot of fight left in me, and I believe in this team. We’ve got some incredible talent, and I’m excited about what’s ahead.”
As the Cubs look to rebound in 2024, Ross’s renewed focus and dedication will be critical to the team’s success. His honesty about his struggles has resonated with many, serving as a reminder that even those in high-profile positions are not immune to the pressures of the job.
For Cubs fans, Ross’s admission may have been surprising, but it has also deepened their respect for the man who continues to lead their team. His vulnerability has humanized him in a way that transcends baseball, showing that even the toughest individuals face moments of doubt.
As Ross moves forward, his journey will serve as an inspiration to many, not just in baseball, but in life — a testament to perseverance, self-reflection, and the power of pushing through adversity.
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