Ex-Cub David Ross Chosen For New Season Of 'Dancing With The Stars'

Former Chicago Cubs catcher David Ross might have retired from baseball, but he hasn't walked away from competing. And apparently, the ex-major leaguer who was affectionately known as "Grandpa Rossy" while he played on the Cubs World Series-winning team last year isn't too old to shimmy on the dance floor, either.

Ross, now working as baseball analyst for ESPN, will be one of the contestants on the next season of ABC's "Dancing With Stars," which premieres March 20, the series announced Wednesday. He has been paired up with dance partner Lindsay Arnold for the TV dance competition's 24th season.

So who are the young whipper-snappers Ross will be facing on the show in weekly boogie downs to the death (if death by nationally televised embarassment after performing a less-than-graceful routine counts)? This season's lineup features a mix of fellow professional athletes, as well as celebrities, including:

• Fifth Harmony member Normani Kordei
• free agent NFL running back Rashad Jennings (although the series' announcement wrongly said he played safety before talking about his carries and touchdowns)
• Olympic gold medal gymnast Simone Biles
• "Glee" actress Heather Morris

Ross, 39, will also compete against a few contestants closer to his own age, too. Former Olympic skater Nancy Kerrigan, 47; singer and signature "Love Boat" and game show guest Charo, 65; and the man who gave us Clubber Lang and B.A. Baracus, Mr. T, 64; have been selected as dancers this season.

"Dancing With The Stars"

• When: The 24th season premieres at 7 p.m. March 20. It also marks the series 100th episode.
• Network: ABC (WLS-TV/ABC 7 in the Chicago area)

Former Chicago Cubs catcher David Ross will compete in the 24th season of "Dancing With the Stars" (photo via ABC)

Like What You're Reading? Stay Patched In!

• Like our Crime page on Facebook
• Live Traffic and Transit Updates