Summary of David Ross Talks 2016 Cubs Magic, Team USA Pressure & Launching New Podcast

Overview of David Ross Talks 2016 Cubs Magic, Team USA Pressure & Launching New Podcast

This episode features former MLB catcher/manager David Ross talking with The Volume/iHeart about the upcoming baseball podcast The Lovable Reunion (co‑hosted with Anthony Rizzo), behind‑the‑scenes memories from the Chicago Cubs’ 2016 World Series run, his experience as Team USA bullpen coach at the World Baseball Classic, and his views on baseball’s recent renaissance, pace‑of‑play changes, and roster/payroll dynamics.

Key topics discussed

• The Lovable Reunion podcast

  • Ross and Anthony Rizzo co‑host a year‑long podcast revisiting the 2016 Cubs championship and interviewing former teammates.
  • The show debuts soon (described as launching in about a week during this interview). Ross says they’ve already recorded multiple interviews (about 12 so far).
  • Notable guest interviews already completed: Joe Maddon, Kyle Schwarber, Mike Montgomery, John Lester, and others.

• How the 2016 Cubs were built and when they believed they could win

  • The momentum started in 2015 (run sparked by a late‑season stretch vs. the Giants and a deep postseason run).
  • Key 2016 additions and strengths: Joe Maddon’s leadership and culture, signings like Jon Lester, defensive excellence, and bullpen depth.
  • Ross emphasizes clubhouse chemistry, veteran leadership combined with young talent (e.g., Kris Bryant, Javy Báez, Addison Russell, Kyle Schwarber).

• The final outs of Game 7 and clubhouse tension

  • Ross recounts the anxiety in the dugout late in Game 7, bullpen decisions, and relief when the final play (Baez throw to Rizzo) secured the title.
  • He highlights the role of young pitchers stepping up under pressure.

• Team USA and the World Baseball Classic

  • Ross served as bullpen coach and described the WBC atmosphere as playoff‑level intensity (especially Venezuela vs. USA; DR and Mexico crowds were deafening).
  • Players and staff were highly emotional and deeply invested despite it being spring training time.
  • Ross praised the WBC as an underappreciated, high‑value international event.

• Baseball’s recent renaissance and rule changes

  • Ross thinks MLB’s recent rule changes (pitch clock, other pace‑of‑play tweaks) have made the game faster and more engaging.
  • He sees increased personality and young‑fan engagement across markets.

• Competitive balance and payroll

  • Discussion on Dodgers’ spending and whether baseball needs a salary floor rather than a hard cap.
  • Ross favors a floor (minimum spending) to raise baseline competitiveness without penalizing big‑market investment.

• Chicago culture and Wrigley Field

  • Ross shares stories of intense fan love (standing ovations, people stopping him on walks to the park).
  • Describes Wrigleyville as a unique American sports destination — passionate and youthful.

Main takeaways

• The Cubs’ 2016 championship was the product of a multi‑year build (momentum from 2015), key veteran additions, elite defense, and strong clubhouse culture under Joe Maddon.
• Club chemistry and off‑field support (players helping teammates financially/emotionally) were decisive in the team’s resiliency.
• The World Baseball Classic is a major, emotional international event that players take seriously and that can rival playoff atmospheres.
• Recent MLB rule changes have improved the pace and watchability of the game, helping a broader resurgence in baseball interest.
• Competitive balance solutions should focus on raising the floor (help smaller teams spend smarter and more) rather than strictly capping big spenders.

Notable quotes & insights

• On when they knew they were good: “It started in 2015…we came together and took off.”
• On Joe Maddon: he’s an “eclectic man” who excelled at building culture and managing expectations.
• On Wrigley: “If Wrigleyville was in Berlin, it would be a bucket‑list visit for Americans.”
• On Team USA/WBC intensity: “Some guys were crying after that game…we were as pissed as I’ve seen people in a long time.”
• On payrolls: “I’m OK with a floor without a ceiling” — support for minimum spending to boost competitiveness.

Memorable anecdotes

• Ross’s early‑career trivia: his first home run was a grand slam off Mark Grace (a story he still revisits).
• He received a standing ovation walking into a Chicago steakhouse while carrying his one‑year‑old daughter.
• John Lester privately flew Ross home twice during the season for a family emergency and a funeral — examples of deep clubhouse bonds.
• Kyle Schwarber’s interview was especially emotional; Montgomery also choked up when discussing the final out.

What to expect from The Lovable Reunion

• Year‑long series revisiting the 2016 Cubs title with longtime teammates, coaches, and behind‑the‑scenes stories.
• Mix of baseball analysis, personal stories, laughs, and emotion — Ross and Rizzo trade banter and memories.
• Early episodes include in‑depth Joe Maddon interview (culture/decision making) and conversations with players like Schwarber and Montgomery.
• Where to subscribe: Ross encourages listeners to subscribe on YouTube and social channels (podcast hosted by The Volume/iHeart).

Who should listen

• Cubs fans and anyone curious about the 2016 World Series inside stories.
• Baseball fans interested in clubhouse culture, WBC perspectives, and modern MLB changes.
• Listeners who enjoy player‑hosted, personality‑driven baseball podcasts with mix of nostalgia and analysis.

Bottom line: This episode sets up The Lovable Reunion as part oral history, part candid locker‑room podcast — anchored by Ross and Rizzo’s chemistry, deep roster access, and a promise to unpack the 2015–16 build, Game 7 tension, Team USA intensity, and baseball’s current upswing.