Teammate

My Journey in Baseball and a World Series for the Ages

By: David Ross, Don Yaeger, Theo Epstein - introduction

Narrated by: Gregory Abbey

Packed with "compelling inside stories" (Chicago Tribune), Teammate is the inspiring memoir from "Grandpa Rossy," the veteran catcher who became the heart and soul of the 2016 Chicago Cubs championship team and was named manager in 2019.

In 2016 the Cubs snapped a 108-year curse, winning the World Series in a history-making, seven-game series against the Cleveland Indians. Of the many storylines to Chicago's fairytale season, one stood out: the late-career renaissance of David Ross, the 39-year-old catcher who had played back-up for 13 of his 15 pro seasons.

Beyond Ross's remarkably strong play, he became the ultimate positive force in the Cubs locker room, mentoring and motivating his fellow players, some of them nearly twenty years his junior. Thanks to Cubs Kris Bryant and Anthony Rizzo, "Grandpa Rossy" became a social media sensation. No one, however, could have predicted that Ross's home run in his final career at bat would help seal the Cubs championship.

Now, in Teammate, Ross shares the inspiring story of his life in baseball, framed by the events of that unforgettable November night.

Critic reviews

"After sitting and having lunch with Rossy for over an hour at the ESPN studios in fall 2014, I knew he was exactly what the Cubs needed to help bring a championship to Chicago. His knowledge of hitting, pitching and the game overall was amazing. Couple that with his obvious leadership abilities, and I knew we had to have him. Well, I guess I was right! The past two years with Rossy have been the best of my career. He truly is the best teammate I have ever had!"—Anthony Rizzo, first baseman, Chicago Cubs

"With his character and commitment, Rossy helped take the team and me to great places. I am confident he will do the same for you as you read about his journey on these pages. You will find lessons for sports and for life, including one he helped teach me long ago: never underestimate the power of a great teammate."—Theo Epstein, Cubspresident of baseball operations (from his Foreword)

"Ross ... has plenty of terrific stories to tell from a long career in the big leagues.... Ross shares his perspective on what it takes to be a good teammate and how that role accounted for both his longevity in the sport and his impact on the Cubs in 2016. He also weighs in with some compelling inside stories and observations about Maddon, Jon Lester, Jason Heyward, and others from last year's winners."—Chicago Tribune

"There aren't many backup catchers in baseball history writing books.... Compelling.... Fascinating inside stories about the 2016 Cubs, told from the perspective of someone who was right in the middle of them... A good read and worth your time."—Al Yellon, Bleed Cubbie Blue

you can't make this stuff up

A great story about the baseball life of David ross. Also is one the best story's day of game seven of the world series 2016

Grandpa Rossy

What did you like best about this story?

My family is a Cubbie fan and I enjoy listening and my hubby got the printed edition.

Fun book - where was Rossy?

Where does Teammate rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

One of my personal favorites.

What did you like best about this story?

The insider info on the path to the 2019 Series.

What three words best describe Gregory Abbey’s voice?

Intense, clear and concise. His performance is fine and I didn't want my three stars to reflect poorly on him...It was just that for $26 I'd really hoped to hear Ross narrate himself...

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The discussion of when Maddon took him out in the middle of his last game on the mound with Lester, et. al.

A fun, light read.

As a lifelong Chicago Cubs fan, it was such a thrill watching them win the World Series in 2016. In fact it was exciting watching the team play all year round. David Ross provides some of the insider details during his two years with the Chicago Cubs and the rest of his career that led him there. I felt that the narrative was a bit jumbled and could've been put together a little better, but overall it was a very enjoyable listen.

I'm a little biased because I'm a Cubs fan.

I finished listening to this book over a weekend with my girlfriend. It is another great tome in the many books that followed the great 2016 World Series Victory for the Chicago Cubs. The author had a pleasant voice, and didn't read the book as if it were forced upon him. The book also gave some insight into a man who may not have been the greatest catcher ever, but certainly a great man based on his attitude towards the game, as well as life itself. I am happy with the purchase of this book, and it will probably listen to it several times for nostalgic reasons.