Obviously this is an exciting time to be a Cubs fan in Chicago. This team has created a chemistry on and off the field that translates into success. I want to discuss their progression from a team that was 61-101 just 4 years ago to a World Series contender.
This article sums up the leadership structure in the Cubs locker room nicely. Guys like David Ross and Joe Maddon have created an environment that allows guys like Bryant and Rizzo to get the most out of their potential.
http://www.theplayerstribune.com/cubs-anthony-rizzo-kris-bryant-david-ross-retirement/
I isolated a few quotes from Grandpa Ross
Ross
Well, you did … and what you’re saying is so true. It’s those little efforts that make a mark on a game that a lot of people don’t see. Like, one thing we stress here — and Joe Maddon stresses — is to just go up there and have a good at bat. Every time. Whether you get out or you get a base hit, if you’re going up there and making the pitcher work, that pays off for the next guy. If a pitcher has to grind on KB, and Rizz is hitting behind him, maybe KB will wear the pitcher down a bit to the point where he lets up a little and make a mistake to Rizz. And the result might be a two-run homer
-This can be applied to having a good shift. Work hard, wear out the other team, get pucks in deep, earn an offensive zone draw. There are ways to contribute beyond just putting the puck in the back of the net
Ross
Exactly. And it’s been fun to watch the two of you because you understand that. You’re already so poised and professional at such a young age. You guys go out there and put yourselves on the line every day for your teammates. No matter what, you’re out there. Even during that stretch before the All-Star break where you guys played 24 straight games, no days off. You came in every day like, I’m here, and I’m gonna give you everything I got. Now, when you get 25 guys doing that — or at least a starting nine — that’s a team that wins.
-This is critical. The buy-in has to be from everyone. We don't have the individual skill guys that a Providence has. We need the Wolf Pack mentality. All for one.
Ross
Yeah. You guys already had a great group when I got here. But I think what this team was missing was confidence. Like, when you’re a young group — which you guys are — it’s O.K. to be good and to say that you’re good. But that’s hard to do when you don’t know what being good looks like. So when Jon Lester and myself come in, coming off a World Series, it’s different. Jon and I have seen winning. We know what winning looks like. So we come into this locker room last year and look around like, This guy’s a winner. That guy’s a winner. Rizz is a winner. KB’s a winner. It gives you guys the confidence to come together and do all the things that winning teams do.
-This is what Smitty, Nick, and myself are aiming to bring to the table. We are showing you what being good looks like. We want to instill the missing confidence. Our locker room is full of winners. Just take your captain, JC. It doesn't take long to figure out that he has what it takes.
Bryant
It’s because you’re one of the guys who’s behind the plate who knows how to get me out. And that Marlins series was one where I wasn’t feeling comfortable — and of course, we’re facing Jose Fernandez throwing like 99, which doesn’t make it any easier to get comfortable. And I remember you said to me, “Just take some pitches till you get a strike.”
Ross
Yeah. One of those simple things you just forget when you’re in the heat of the moment.
Bryant
Right. But when you hear that from somebody else, it makes sense, and it just gives you more confidence.
-Stick to the process, keep things simple. Do the small things right. Focus on what you CAN control.
When it comes to advice from teammates, high school is a tough age because everyone is self conscious. Your teammates are here to support you. Everyone in the organization should feel comfortable asking another player for advice or help. If someone gives you constructive criticism, try to be receptive and not offended.
