Career Timeline of David Ross (baseball): Major Achievements and Milestones

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 25, 2026

How David Ross (baseball) built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

David Ross is a former professional baseball catcher and manager. He played 15 seasons in MLB. Most recently, he managed the Chicago Cubs from 2020 to 2023.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1995: Drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers

In 1995, David Ross was drafted in the 19th round of the amateur draft by the Los Angeles Dodgers, but he did not sign and instead accepted a scholarship to Auburn University.

1996: Played for Auburn Tigers baseball team

From 1996 to 1997, David Ross played for the Auburn Tigers baseball team at Auburn University and in 1996, he played collegiate summer baseball with the Brewster Whitecaps of the Cape Cod Baseball League.

1997: Walk-off Home Run & College World Series Appearance

In 1997, David Ross hit a walk-off three-run home run against Florida State in the East Regional tournament semifinal to advance to the regional final in the College World Series. The Auburn Tigers advanced to the College World Series, getting knocked out in the 2nd round by Stanford.

1998: Transferred to the University of Florida

After the 1997 season, David Ross transferred to the University of Florida. In 1998, he played one additional season of college baseball for the Florida Gators baseball team.

1998: Dodgers Drafted Ross Again

In 1998, the Los Angeles Dodgers drafted David Ross again, this time in the seventh round.

June 29, 2002: MLB Debut

On June 29, 2002, David Ross made his MLB debut, striking out as a pinch hitter.

September 2, 2002: First Major League Home Run

On September 2, 2002, David Ross hit his first major league home run off Mark Grace of the Diamondbacks, capping a 19–1 win for the Dodgers.

2002: MLB Debut with Dodgers

In 2002, David Ross began his major league career playing for the Los Angeles Dodgers.

2004: End of Time with the Dodgers

David Ross stayed with the Los Angeles Dodgers until 2004.

March 30, 2005: Sold to Pittsburgh Pirates

On March 30, 2005, the Los Angeles Dodgers sold David Ross's contract to the Pittsburgh Pirates.

July 28, 2005: Traded to San Diego Padres

On July 28, 2005, after playing 40 games with the Pittsburgh Pirates, David Ross was traded to the San Diego Padres for infielder J. J. Furmaniak.

January 15, 2006: Signed with Cincinnati Reds

On January 15, 2006, David Ross signed a two-year, $4.54 million contract with the Cincinnati Reds.

November 20, 2006: LaRue Traded to Royals

On November 20, 2006, LaRue was traded to the Kansas City Royals for a player to be named later.

August 10, 2008: Designated for Assignment

On August 10, 2008, David Ross was designated for assignment by the Cincinnati Reds.

August 22, 2008: Signed Minor League Contract with Red Sox

On August 22, 2008, David Ross signed a minor-league contract with the Boston Red Sox.

December 5, 2008: Signed with Atlanta Braves

On December 5, 2008, David Ross signed a two-year, $3 million deal with the Atlanta Braves.

2009: Strong Defensive Catcher

In 2009, David Ross committed only one error in 52 games, demonstrating his strong defensive catching abilities for the Atlanta Braves.

2009: Hit .273 in 54 Games

In 2009, David Ross hit .273 in 54 games for the Atlanta Braves.

July 27, 2010: Signed Extension with Braves

On July 27, 2010, David Ross signed a two-year extension to stay with the Atlanta Braves through 2012.

2011: Hot Start to 2011 Season

In the 2011 season, David Ross had a hot start hitting .333 after starting seven games, with three home runs.

November 10, 2012: Returned to Red Sox

On November 10, 2012, David Ross signed a two-year, $6.2 million deal to return to the Boston Red Sox.

2012: End of Braves Contract

David Ross finished the two-year extension to stay with the Atlanta Braves in 2012.

2012: First Home Run in Wild Card Game

In 2012, David Ross hit the first ever home run in the Wild Card Game when the new playoff format was introduced while playing for the Atlanta Braves.

2013: World Series Championship

During the 2013 season, David Ross played a key role in Boston's run to the World Series championship over the St. Louis Cardinals, starting in four games and driving in the game-winning run with an RBI double in Game 5. He also caught the series-clinching out in Game 6.

December 23, 2014: Signed with Chicago Cubs

On December 23, 2014, the Chicago Cubs announced that they had signed David Ross to a two-year, $5 million contract.

2014: Personal Catcher for Jon Lester

In 2014, David Ross played as Jon Lester's personal catcher for the Boston Red Sox.

May 9, 2015: Pitched Perfect Inning

On May 9, 2015, David Ross recorded a perfect inning against the Milwaukee Brewers in his first appearance as a pitcher in his professional baseball career.

April 21, 2016: Caught First No-Hitter

On April 21, 2016, David Ross caught his first no-hitter, against the Cincinnati Reds, with starting pitcher Jake Arrieta.

May 27, 2016: 100th Career Home Run

On May 27, 2016, David Ross hit his 100th career home run off of Adam Morgan of the Philadelphia Phillies.

2016: Announced Retirement and Won World Series

In 2016, David Ross announced his plans to retire following the season. During Game 7 of the 2016 MLB World Series against the Cleveland Indians, Ross hit a home run in his last at-bat, becoming the oldest player to do so in World Series history at 39 years old. Ross is also the only man to hit a homerun in his final at-bat in game 7 of a World Series. The Cubs won Game 7, earning Ross his second World Series ring.

January 14, 2017: Named Special Assistant to Baseball Operations

On January 14, 2017, the Chicago Cubs named David Ross as a special assistant to baseball operations for the 2017 season.

January 2017: Hired as Baseball Color Analyst

In January 2017, ESPN hired David Ross as a baseball color analyst after his retirement from playing.

May 2017: Published Teammate: My Life in Baseball

In May 2017, David Ross's book, "Teammate: My Life in Baseball", co-authored with Don Yaeger, was published.

October 24, 2019: Hired as Cubs Manager

On October 24, 2019, the Chicago Cubs hired David Ross as their manager to replace Joe Maddon, signing him to a three-year contract.

July 24, 2020: Managerial Debut

On July 24, 2020, David Ross began his managerial career with a 3–0 win at home against the Milwaukee Brewers.

2020: Became Cubs Manager

In 2020, David Ross started managing the Chicago Cubs of Major League Baseball.

March 11, 2022: Contract Extension with Cubs

On March 11, 2022, the Chicago Cubs announced they agreed to a contract extension with David Ross through the 2024 season, including a club option for the 2025 season.