Ex-Chicago Cub David Ross Finishes 2nd On 'Dancing With The Stars'

It's been a magical six months for retired Chicago Cubs catcher David Ross. He capped off his major league career by winning a World Series title with the North Siders, and then cast a spell over the viewers and judges of this season's "Dancing With the Stars," making an improbable run to the finale of ABC's TV dance competition.

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But Ross finally ran out of tricks up his sleeve Tuesday as he was the runner-up behind NFL running back Rashad Jennings, the winner of the 10-week contest. Following the show's live finale, Ross had nothing but praise for his competitor:

In fact, the judges pointed to Ross' vulnerability on the dance floor as part of his appeal with viewers, making him a compelling contestant to root for and watch week to week. After Ross and partner Lindsay Arnold performed a fox trot-salsa fusion dance during Tuesday's live finale, judge Bruno Tonioli called the only Major League Baseball player to compete on the show "the people's champion."

"America has spoken, and that is why you're here tonight," judge Julianne Hough said about Ross.

Even though he didn't follow up his championship on the baseball diamond with one on the dance floor, Ross still received a great deal of love and support from Cubs Nation:

So what's next for Ross, 40, now that he's not required to shake his moneymaker weekly on national television? First, he'll return to his role as special assistant to baseball operations in the Cubs organization, a position he was named to in January. He also has a multi-year deal with ESPN, working as a baseball analyst for the cable sports network. And that's not even mentioning Ross' memoir, "Teammate: My Journey in Baseball and a World Series for the Ages," which was released this month and is already set to become a feature film.

Maybe someone should remind him what the definition of retirement is if he ever slows down enough for anyone to catch up with him.

WATCH: David Ross and Lindsay Arnold perform a fox trot-salsa fusion dance during Tuesday's live finale of "Dancing With the Stars":

UPDATED (12:56 a.m. Wednesday, May 24)

Former Chicago Cubs catcher David Ross hugs dance partner Lindsay Arnold following their fox trot-salsa fusion performance during Tuesday's finale of "Dancing With the Stars." (Screen shot via video by ABC | YouTube)

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