Chicago Cubs: David Ross does his fans proud with runner-up finish

Against all odds, former Chicago Cubs catcher David Ross advanced to the finals of Dancing with the Stars, finishing as the runner-up in Season 24.

Sure, we all wanted a different ending. But if we’re all being honest, there’s nothing but pride throughout the Windy City for former Chicago Cubs catcher David Ross. He and his firecracker partner, Lindsay Arnold, finished as the runner-up in Season 24 of Dancing with the Stars.

NFL standout Rashad Jennings and his partner Emma Slater took home the Mirror Ball trophy after finishing a beautiful run. The pair’s chemistry was out-of-this-world and there couldn’t be a nicer couple to take home the honors.

The pair pushed past longtime pro dancer Val Chmerkovskiy and Normani Kordei in Tuesday night’s finale, thanks largely to fan support never seen on the show. Baseball fans, namely in Chicago and Boston, voted in droves – pushing Grandpa Rossy into the finals.

Ross and Arnold’s final performance, a foxtrot-salsa fusion, drew kind remarks from the judges, even head judge Len Goodman.

"“It was a proper fusion dance, so well done. Dancing is a joyful thing. Watching you gives me joy.”"

The couple scored straight-nines, ending the season with a 109 score. That score ranked third of the three remaining couples, showing just how impactful fans’ votes were in the end.

A beautiful journey

Ross, time and time again, thanked fans for their support, even into the final performance of the season. But, really, it’s Arnold and Rossy who deserve the credit. They poured everything they had into every dance, exposing an entirely new group of people to the power of dance.

"“This entire season, you have not disappointed at all,” said judge Julianne Hough. “When I watch you, you look like a little kid and that’s so beautiful and pure. Thank you for giving your purity and vulnerability and everything this season.”"

Next: Cubs' Russell needs to hit the ball harder to succeed

There’s little more we can say. Thank you David and Lindsay, for representing the Chicago Cubs, Major League Baseball and baseball fans everywhere with absolute grace and elegance. It’s been our pleasure watching you every step of this journey.