The Lovable Reunion - Addison Russell on his GRAND SLAM in Cubs' World Series, Heyward’s EPIC G7 speech | Ross & Rizzo
Addison Russell, the 2016 World Series champion shortstop, returns to the Cubs' broadcast booth for a nostalgic reunion with Ross and Rizzo, recounting the defining moments of his career-defining season. The conversation centers on the emotional weight of overcoming adversity—both personal and team-wide—after being traded from the Athletics at just 20 years old. Russell reveals he didn’t even know he’d been traded until teammates reached out, and describes the shock of being the youngest player on a championship team that was built on resilience, unity, and a culture of accountability. From the infamous Wild Card Game error in Pittsburgh to the iconic Game 6 grand slam that shifted momentum, Russell shares raw, visceral memories—like the 'ding' he heard after rounding third base, the silence after a crucial double play, and the surreal joy of trick-or-treating in a Ninja Turtle costume before flying out to play in Game 7. The episode culminates in a powerful reflection on leadership, identity, and the lasting impact of a team that refused to be defined by history, instead rewriting it through grit, humor, and unshakable belief. What makes this reunion extraordinary isn’t just the nostalgia—it’s the revelation that the 2016 Cubs weren’t just a team of stars, but a family of misfits who learned to thrive in the pressure.
The 2016 Cubs' championship was built on a culture of accountability, where every player—from the star to the pinch runner—felt responsible for the team’s success.
Addison Russell didn’t know he’d been traded until teammates texted him, highlighting how young and unprepared he was for the moment that would define his career.
After a devastating error in the Wild Card Game, Russell helped turn the tide with a game-saving double play—proving that mistakes don’t define you, but how you respond does.
The Cubs’ '3-0 count whistle' ritual—where the infield would stay frozen to avoid getting caught off guard—was a secret weapon that built trust and unity.
Russell’s Game 6 World Series grand slam wasn’t just a clutch hit—it was the culmination of a season-long belief that every player had to 'take their bite' to win.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
The Trade That Changed Everything
“I was just kind of like... dizzy you know i'm thinking you know i've worked so hard you know to solidify a spot here at you know double a um and and now i'm going off to another organization so hop on my phone i'm looking at you know who's all on the squad i see you know i see starling i see a couple other guys see you and like dude you know these are studs these are stars”
The Wild Card Game: Error to Redemption
“I remember feeding it this uh starling and still he just grabs it yeah yeah go ahead sorry that is in my brain about like your opportunity came right back to you and being young, things could have sped up”
The 3-0 Count Ritual: A Secret Weapon
“3-0 count, 99% chance the guy's not swinging. I'd whistle and I'd get everyone. But just widen up, not move. The pitch would be thrown and we don't move.”
Game 6 Grand Slam: The Moment That Changed Everything
“I mean, I couldn't feel my legs. I just remember just screaming, man. Kind of rounding first base and, you know. kind of like side-eyeing the dugout to see if they're hype of course they're hyped like and then uh rounding first base i see lynn uh i see lindor i see kipness i see lindore and i'm just yelling like right in front of him dude and and like emotions like”
Jay Hey’s Rain Delay Speech: The Turning Point
“I walked out of that weight room feeling like The Little Giants, like, yeah, we can do this one time!”
“I walked out of that weight room feeling like The Little Giants, like, yeah, we can do this one time!”
“The fact we had such a young group that felt comfortable to be themselves, their own skin. I thought that was a big part of our group and something that taught me is like, no, no, we need KB Schwarber, Addy, Javi. We need all these guys out more.”
“So 3 -0 count, 99 chance the guy's not swinging. I'd whistle and I'd get everyone. But just widen up, not move. The pitch would be thrown and we don't move.”
Hosts
Guest
Addison Russell
person
Cubs
organization
Ross
person
Rizzo
person
Joe Maddon
person
Starlin Castro
person
Jay Hey
person
Pittsburgh Pirates
organization
Oakland Athletics
organization
SeatGeek
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