The only man to hit a home run in his final World Series at-bat
In short: David Ross didn't just retire with a trophy; he exited the game with a historic power stroke. In his final major league moment, he achieved a feat of longevity and timing that remains unmatched in the annals of championship baseball.
David Ross's path to the pinnacle of baseball was defined by versatility and persistence. A standout collegiate athlete, Ross is one of the few players to compete in the College World Series with two different universities: Auburn University in 1997 and the University of Florida in 1998. After being drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1995 but choosing to play college ball, he eventually joined the Dodgers in 2002. His early career was marked by heavy competition for playing time, which eventually led him through a journeyman's path involving the Pirates, Padres, Reds, Red Sox, and Braves.
Ross established himself as a reliable defensive specialist and a 'personal catcher' for specific pitchers. During his tenure with the Cincinnati Reds, he was frequently used to work with right-hander Bronson Arroyo. Despite fan demand for him to take a more prominent role, he often served in a supporting capacity until finding a steady home with the Atlanta Braves. During the 2012 debut of the revised playoff structure, he demonstrated his batting power by launching the inaugural Wild Card Game home run.
His career reached its emotional and statistical peak with the Boston Red Sox and the Chicago Cubs. In 2013, he played a vital role in Boston's World Series victory, notably driving in the game-winning run in Game 5. However, his most iconic moment occurred in 2016 with the Cubs. At 39 years old, Ross became the oldest player to hit a home run in a World Series at-bat. By hitting a home run in his final at-bat of Game 7 against the Cleveland Indians, he became the only man in history to achieve that specific feat in a championship deciding game.
Following his retirement, Ross transitioned into leadership and media. He served as a special assistant to baseball operations for the Cubs and became a color analyst for ESPN in 2017. He also moved into management, leading the Cubs from 2020 to 2023. Beyond the diamond, Ross has engaged in diverse ventures, including becoming the first professional baseball player to compete on Dancing with the Stars in 2017, where he finished as a runner-up.
Opens the Intellect+ feed with this card first. Swipe up for the next one.
Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: David Ross (baseball)
To cite this card, link to https://intellectplus.co.uk/app/history-david-ross-baseball.
How we source, check and correct cards: Editorial standards.
General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.
Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?
Related
More in Born on this day · More in History · Latest · A–Z · All topics
