Emma: David Ross Cherishing Cubs' Championship Chase With His Family

By Chris Emma--

CHICAGO (CBS) -- Far removed from the frenzy of another celebration, Cubs catcher David Ross soaked in the moment with his wife and and young children.

When the World Series is over, the 39-year-old Ross will retire from baseball and become a full-time husband and father of three. On Saturday night, with the Cubs winning the National League pennant, he was savoring the latest victory.

Ross popped champagne with his baseball family, then joined his wife, Hyla, and three children, Landri, Cole and Harper, and his parents. They hugged, kissed and kept smiling deep into the night.

"We've always tried to make family first," Hyla said. "It's really important that we're all here."

For this Cubs team, "Grandpa" Ross is a father figure. The young group looks up to him. They all certainly respect him, and he enjoys their youthful energy.

With the way Ross has played behind the plate, perhaps president of baseball operations Theo Epstein can try to persuade him back for another season. But Ross is leaving baseball for the one thing he loves more -- his family. He's eager to be there for Cole's baseball games and Landri's volleyball games. Harper just turned 2 and will grow up fast.

Ross is ready to move on.

"It's a grueling lifestyle on a family," Ross said Saturday on the field, surrounded by his wife and kids. "I miss a lot of important times with my wife and kids. They're here sticking by me and letting me live my dream. I can't thank them enough for all the support I get. They're an amazing group."

Prior to Game 2 of the NLDS, Ross was asked about becoming a fan favorite in such short time. He's truly humbled about calls for his return in 2017, but family comes first. Ross wants to be there in his children's formative years, so he can raise them with Hyla.

Families make sacrifices in the big league dream. It's not easy for the wives left to raise their children alone through most of the season or the kids missing their dads. FaceTime calls are invaluable on those long road trips away from family. This is why Ross is ready to retire.

"I kind of feel like I've lived my dream," Ross said. "I gotten to live this lifestyle for way longer than I ever thought or deserved to live it and I've gotten to do a lot of fun things and been very successful for the skill set I have and what I bring to the table. I feel like I've had a very long major league career and have done things that I never thought I would be able to do. So at some point you got to be unselfish, right?

"If being a dad is important to you and being a father and a husband and those things are important to you, and you want to influence your kids and teach them right from wrong, it's hard to be gone for six, seven months and commit your life to baseball, because that's what this is."

Ross has enjoyed many memorable moments during his 15-year career, and this year-long retirement party has been something special. When "Forever Young" plays in Wrigley Field, fans rise to their feet for Ross. He's relatable, and he's theirs. But through it all, his family remains back home in Tallahassee, Fla. watching. He used an off day in May to fly in and surprise his children in Tallahassee. Soon, he'll be back home to stay.

Now in the final days of his career, Ross is cherishing the Cubs' chase of a championship with his family alongside for each step.

"It's amazing," Hyla said. "I really couldn't ask for anything better, for him to end his career this way and for us to be able to be with him."

Ross constantly refers to the Cubs as a family. He's the grandpa for the tight-knit group. Fittingly, Anthony Rizzo got Ross a Father's Day card this year, writing: "Thank you for everything you have done for me. Love your son, Anthony."

Ross will be sorely missed by the Cubs when he's gone.

Once the Cubs' journey is done and the major league dream comes to an end, Ross will return home to Tallahassee for Cole's baseball games, Landri's volleyball games and Harper's toddler years.

For now, Ross is after the World Series with his family joining the end of his journey.

"It's amazing," Ross said. "My family, that's what it's all about."

Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago's sports scene and more for CBSChicago.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670 and like his Facebook page.