The Cubs shocked the MLB world on Monday when the team decided to hire former Brewers manager Craig Counsell before officially announcing that David Ross would be let go from the position.
Ross, who spent four seasons as the Cubs’ manager, spoke out on the team’s decision on Thursday to the Tallahassee Democrat. The former MLB catcher expressed some emotions while talking about his departure, but otherwise didn’t sound like he holds too much of a grudge against the organization.
“I think the thing that comes over me is that I am extremely thankful for the opportunity, to be honest,” Ross said. “There was a lot of people who worked really hard alongside me. ... I am really thankful for the four years I got, coming from zero coaching experience to getting the chance to manage such a great organization that has impacted my life in a great way. There's great people there. I really don't have a whole lot negative to say, to be honest. ... I get mad from time to time but I have a lot to be thankful for.”
Ross didn’t elaborate further on his thoughts about the Cubs’ decision.
“If my boss doesn't think I am a good manager, then he should move on,” Ross continued. “I don't fault him for that. If he doesn't think I am the right guy, that's his job. That's his choice. I have my own thoughts and opinions that I will keep to myself.”
Ross took over as the Cubs manager in 2020 after he retired from the team in 2016 — the season Chicago won the World Series after a 108–year drought. During his four-year stretch as the team's manager, the Cubs posted a 262–284 record and only made the playoffs in 2020.
New Cubs manager, Counsell, joins the team after spending nine seasons with NL Central rival, the Brewers. During that span, the Brewers posted a 707–625 overall record and made the playoffs five times. This season, Milwaukee lost to the Diamondbacks in the wild card.
