Colin Cowherd Podcast - David Ross Talks 2016 Cubs Magic, Team USA Pressure & Launching New Podcast

I built The Volume heavy on football, but baseball’s had a jolt the last few years, so we wanted a show with real personality to mark the Cubs’ ten‑year anniversary—Lovable Reunion with David Ross and Anthony Rizzo—and I’ve got David here; when did this idea start for you two?

After I stepped away, Rizz and I talked about life after playing and figured our friendship and different takes on the game would make for a fun pod; your team’s excitement sealed it, and we’ve been itching to finally roll it out.

With the whole country pulling for you and that 108‑year weight, when did you and Rizzo feel like this group could actually finish the job?

The switch flipped in 2015 against San Francisco as our young core surged; then in 2016 we added key vets, embraced the target under Joe Maddon, survived losing Schwarber early, and just took off.

Joe’s such an original—what stood out when you interviewed him?

He’s eclectic and thoughtful about culture, and he walked us through the big decisions people still debate, like how he used Chapman and when he lifted Hendricks, and laid out his plan for bringing a small‑market mindset into Chicago’s spotlight.

Chicago can be a blast when you’re winning—were you able to enjoy it without losing your edge?

Fans treated everyone like a star—I once got a standing O at a steakhouse—so yes, we had our nights, but Joe kept the noise out and that clubhouse bubble stayed tight while Wrigley roared.

Take me to those final three outs of Game Seven—what did it feel like in the dugout?

After the rain delay and huge knocks from Zobrist and Montero, nerves spiked with a young arm on the mound and Rajai on first; then the plan clicked, the grounder went to KB, he fed Rizz, and all that tension snapped into pure relief.

Wrigleyville is its own planet, and that passion can be demanding; do you think a quieter star sometimes just fits better elsewhere, like in L.A., while Chicago wants visible fire?

Some great players are steady and low‑key, and that’s fine, but Chicago loves emotion and daily accountability from the middle of the order; a reserved guy might thrive more surrounded by multiple voices on a star‑packed team.

You coached the USA bullpen at the World Baseball Classic—were you surprised by the intensity in the middle of spring?

Every night felt like October, the crowds were deafening, players pushed past comfort to compete, and the Venezuela game was as loud as anything I’ve lived; guys were crushed after losses, bonded fast, and it was one of my best baseball experiences.

On payroll talk, I think baseball needs a spending floor, not a cap; how do you view what the Dodgers are doing?

I’m with you on a floor without a ceiling; the Dodgers pair smart development with resources, hit on value deals, leveraged Ohtani’s structure, and keep depth churning, which is good for the sport if clubs at the bottom are pushed to invest too.

Ten years on, what does that championship mean to you?

It changed my life, from being carried off the field to doors opening in TV and managing, and revisiting it on the pod brings laughter and tears because of how much we lifted each other.

How many interviews so far, and who got the most emotional?

We’ve taped a dozen; Mike Montgomery choked up about the final out, and Schwarber reflected on coming back from injury and how that room shaped the leader he is now.

Was there a 2016 stretch where you felt it wobble?

Right before the break we scuffled and had a tense clubhouse moment when Lester lit into Rizz over pitching comments, a good reminder to stay even as the grind bites.

Slumps can be so random and brutal.

Analytics can steady your head, but the season’s a marathon that makes you family—Lester twice flew me home for family emergencies—and off‑day boat rides on the lake kept us connected.

Rizzo joins next time; Lovable Reunion is coming, and I’m bullish on Chicago with that Milwaukee rivalry heating up—can’t wait to be at Wrigley, and thanks for trusting us.

We’re fired up to roll with The Volume—it’s a fun crew, opening day’s here, and we can’t wait to get started.