Chicago Cubs: David Ross surprises, impresses on Dancing with the Stars

Chicago Cubs retiree David Ross blew expectations out of the water Monday night, tying for the second-highest score of the night on Dancing with the Stars.

It was supposed to be a feel-good story. After riding off into the sunset after bringing the Chicago Cubs their first World Series in 108 years, David Ross joined the Season 24 cast of Dancing with the Stars.

But, as he did during his two years in Chicago – and in Game 7 of the World Series – Ross tossed expectations to the wind, tying for the second-highest score of the night on the season première.

Ross and his partner, Lindsay Arnold, are looking to make history. Arnold is yet to bring home the coveted Mirror Ball trophy. Meanwhile, Grandpa Rossy could be the first MLB player to win one – already breaking the baseball barrier as the sport’s first participant.

When we talked with Ross earlier this month, he told us he wanted to show his kids that they could try new things and not be scared.

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"I’m gonna try to be the best version of me I can be. That’s all I can control. I’m working my tail off. I’ve got a phenomenal coach. She is absolutely great. She pushes me, she doesn’t take any crap from me – little bitty fireball. I’m really having a good time with it, gonna enjoy it. I’m doing it for so many other reasons than just trying to win … doing it for myself, to challenge myself. A little bit of a distraction from baseball. I want to show my kids its OK to try something you’re not good at and who knows what might happen."

Well, if every new thing I try turns out as well as Ross and Arnold’s quickstep from Monday night, sushi might be in my near future. (Sorry guys, I grew up in a very meat-and-potatoes kind of household).

Kind words from the judges

As a whole, the judges seemed a bit surprised at the youthful energy Ross emanated during his routine. Carrie Ann Inaba, who can be one of the show’s more blunt commentators, loved the routine, which was set to ‘Go, Cubs, Go’.

"That was so much fun. So far, that was one of my favorite dances of the night. Really, I didn’t expect that form you. You came out of the gate and you were charming and smooth. Well done."

Now, anyone who watches this show (as I do, thanks to my wife) knows that head judge Len Goodman can be about as cute and cuddly as a hyena. And, yet, we love him all the same. Even he had good things to say about the performance.

"I thought your hold was good, you kept your head to the left. Listen, it wasn’t a home run, but I tell you, you got yourself to first base."

The boys drop in on Grandpa Rossy

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Really, we don’t need to say anything about that. Tears in his eyes, David Ross getting some love from Anthony Rizzo and Jake Arrieta.

Could life possibly get better?

"I’m gonna try to be the best version of me I can be. That’s all I can control. I’m working my tail off. I’ve got a phenomenal coach. She is absolutely great. She pushes me, she doesn’t take any crap from me – little bitty fireball. I’m really having a good time with it, gonna enjoy it. I’m doing it for so many other reasons than just trying to win … doing it for myself, to challenge myself. A little bit of a distraction from baseball. I want to show my kids its OK to try something you’re not good at and who knows what might happen."