‘Grandpa Rossy’ surprised with pregame tribute

CHICAGO — David Ross is the ringleader on the Cubs, and he prides himself on knowing everything that’s going on, but the veteran catcher was totally surprised on Friday when teammates honored him pregame as part of a year-long retirement ceremony.

It was business as usual until 1 p.m. CT, when a video tribute began to play, featuring some of Ross’ career highlights plus tributes from teammates Kyle Schwarber, Anthony Rizzo, Jon Lester, Jason Heyward, John Lackey and strength coach Tim Buss. Ross, 39, is retiring after this season, and he received a No. 3 from the Wrigley Field scoreboard, plus home plate from Jake Arrieta’s no-hitter that he caught in April. The jersey Ross wore when he hit his 100th career home run also was framed.

“When you’re a guy who’s a backup catcher and kind of a journeyman and has been on a bunch of different teams and trying to find your way through the Major Leagues and do the best you can, [to] get a moment like that is pretty cool,” Ross said.

Ross’ wife, their three children, his parents and a close friend were all at Wrigley Field and joined …

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