The Cubs shocked the MLB world on Monday when it was reported that former Brewers manager Craig Counsell would take over David Ross’s position as manager, The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal reported first.
The issue with this news, though, is that the Cubs never announced that Ross was fired or if he resigned from the organization. He was signed through the 2025 season, too. This is what led to many fans being confused about the news.
Ross took over as the Cubs manager in 2020 after originally retiring from the team in 2016, the year Chicago won the World Series after a 108–year drought. The Cubs only made the playoffs in Ross’s first year as manager, and just marginally missed this year’s playoffs due to a few losing streaks to close out the season.
Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer released a statement confirming the news of Ross’s removal.
The Cubs officially announce the firing of David Ross and the hiring of Craig Counsell pic.twitter.com/YfoH2egQ12
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) November 6, 2023
While the situation is rather unfortunate for Ross, MLB fans found a way to make the situation more lighthearted as some posted memes on social media that fit Ross’s position perfectly. Check some of the reactions out.
David Ross trying to get into Wrigley Field this morning pic.twitter.com/gcMccZ1wLy
— Blake Harris (@BlakeHHarris) November 6, 2023
David Ross finding out the Cubs hired Craig Counsell pic.twitter.com/WD136f8gKZ
— Jeff Eisenband (@JeffEisenband) November 6, 2023
David Ross following the news cycle … pic.twitter.com/zOBvjJrUV4
— Travis Sawchik (@Travis_Sawchik) November 6, 2023
David Ross finding out from Jeff Passan he’s been fired pic.twitter.com/H5GNpULM20
— Austin (@2_seamfastball) November 6, 2023
Literally nobody:
— Isaac (@iTalkStudiosYT) November 6, 2023
The Cubs to David Ross: pic.twitter.com/ielGMxgAG5
#Cubs players asking Jed Hoyer to talk to David Ross pic.twitter.com/Ry2C4HZIBM
— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) November 6, 2023
David Ross rn pic.twitter.com/dZat9R1UBK
— Knicks Memes (@KnicksMemes) November 6, 2023
David Ross walking into his office pic.twitter.com/3zdthDSg71
— Dr. Hawkize, M.D. (@stillnothawkize) November 6, 2023
Fans also expressed sympathy towards Ross regarding the way the Cubs went about the news.
Stunning move by the Chicago Cubs. I'm a fan of David Ross as a manager, and a man.
— M@ (@MattSpiegel670) November 6, 2023
But Craig Counsell is the absolute best in the business, with Terry Francona now retired.
This is a major league, win right the hell now move, that will rock the free agent off-season as well.
As a Cubs fan, there’s not a ton that surprises me to the point of speechless, but Craig Counsell replacing David Ross without Ross being fired or resigning first certainly qualifies.
— Matt Lindner (@mattlindner) November 6, 2023
"David, you remember how you played 'backup' catcher for so many years so successfully? Well, do I have a surprise for you!"
— Dan Szymborski (@DSzymborski) November 6, 2023
- Cubs to David Ross right now
I will always be thankful for everything David Ross gave to the #Cubs. He produced some incredible moments & had to manage during some of the most turbulent times in Cubs history. Thanks Rossy.
— Silvy (@WaddleandSilvy) November 6, 2023
