Rizzo & Ross Launch 'Lovable Reunion' Cubs Podcast

Anthony Rizzo and David Ross Launch 'The Lovable Reunion' Podcast for 2016 Cubs Anniversary

Ten years after breaking a 108-year championship drought, two of the most beloved figures from the Chicago Cubs' historic 2016 World Series title are reuniting — this time behind the microphone. On March 25, 2026, Anthony Rizzo and David Ross announced the launch of "The Lovable Reunion," a new podcast that promises an unfiltered, behind-the-scenes look at the season that captivated a city and changed baseball history. With the first episode dropping March 31/April 1 and a full team reunion event planned for July 18 at Wrigley Field, Cubs fans have plenty to celebrate as the 2026 MLB season kicks off.

The announcement has quickly generated buzz across baseball media, as MLB.com reported, with Rizzo appearing on MLB Central the same day to share details about the project. For a fanbase still riding the emotional high of that unforgettable championship run, the timing couldn't be better.

What Is 'The Lovable Reunion' Podcast?

Hosted by Rizzo and Ross, "The Lovable Reunion" will revisit the 2016 Cubs championship season through in-depth conversations with the players and coaches who lived it. The podcast will air on Colin Cowherd's The Volume network and will also be available on YouTube, giving fans multiple ways to tune in.

What makes this project stand out is its independence. As the Chicago Tribune noted, Rizzo and Ross have stated they hold complete editorial control over the podcast — it operates independently of the Cubs organization. That creative freedom signals that listeners can expect candid, honest storytelling rather than a polished, PR-filtered retrospective.

Rizzo described the show as a "passion project" in an Instagram post announcing the launch, and the enthusiasm behind it is evident. The first episode was taped with Jon Lester, one of the key starting pitchers on that championship squad, setting the tone for the deep dives to come.

Who Will Be Featured on the Podcast?

The guest list reads like a who's who of Cubs championship lore. Confirmed interviews include some of the most recognizable names from that 2016 roster:

• Kris Bryant — the 2016 NL MVP who famously threw the final out of Game 7
• Joe Maddon — the manager who guided the Cubs through their legendary postseason run
• Jake Arrieta — the dominant ace who had one of the great stretches in modern pitching history
• Jon Lester — the first episode guest and a clutch performer in the World Series
• John Lackey — veteran presence and key rotation contributor
• Kyle Schwarber — who made a stunning return from injury to play in the World Series
• Addison Russell — whose grand slam in Game 6 remains one of the series' defining moments

Each episode figures to unlock stories that fans have never heard — the kind of locker room moments, pressure-cooker conversations, and unscripted memories that only the people inside that clubhouse could tell. According to reports from MSN Sports, both hosts are eager to revisit what made that team so special.

Anthony Rizzo: From Wrigley Legend to Retired Icon

For Cubs fans, Anthony Rizzo will forever be synonymous with the team's renaissance. The left-handed first baseman joined Chicago in 2012 and became the face of the franchise through some of its most transformative years. During his time with the Cubs (2012–2021), Rizzo earned three All-Star selections, won four Gold Glove Awards, and was a cornerstone of the Theo Epstein-led rebuild that culminated in the 2016 title.

Rizzo officially announced his retirement in 2025, closing the book on a career that also included stints with the San Diego Padres, New York Yankees, and a return to Chicago at the end. His number retirement and legacy at Wrigley are already the stuff of legend. In a touching moment, Rizzo threw out the first pitch at a Cubs game and sat in the Wrigley Field bleachers — a full-circle moment for a player who gave so much to the city.

The podcast represents Rizzo's next chapter: staying connected to the game and the city that shaped him, on his own terms.

David Ross: Grandpa Rossy's Life After Baseball

If Rizzo was the heart of that 2016 team, David Ross was its soul. The veteran catcher played his final MLB season in 2016, going out in storybook fashion by hitting a home run in Game 7 of the World Series — a moment that had the entire baseball world cheering for the journeyman backstop in his farewell performance.

Ross's post-playing career has been anything but quiet. In 2017, he appeared on "Dancing With The Stars," charming audiences far beyond the baseball world with his personality. He then returned to the Cubs dugout as their manager from 2020 to 2023, guiding the team through the COVID-shortened season and a full rebuild cycle. Known affectionately as "Grandpa Rossy" by his former teammates, Ross brings a unique dual perspective to the podcast — both as a player who was there and as a former manager who understands the game's inner workings at a deep level.

As MSN Sports reported on the launch, both Rizzo and Ross bring genuine credibility and chemistry to the project, making "The Lovable Reunion" a natural fit for the 10th anniversary celebration.

The 2016 Cubs: Why This Anniversary Matters

The Chicago Cubs' 2016 World Series victory wasn't just a championship — it was a cultural event. The team ended a 108-year title drought, one of the longest in professional sports history. Game 7 against the Cleveland Guardians (then Indians) went to extra innings, featured a rain delay, and produced one of the most dramatic moments in baseball history when Kris Bryant fielded a slow roller and fired to Rizzo at first base for the final out.

The anniversary is being celebrated on multiple fronts. The Cubs hosted a 2016 team reunion at Cubs Convention in January 2026, drawing massive fan interest. On July 18, 2026, the organization will hold an on-field reunion game against the Minnesota Twins, giving fans a chance to see their heroes together one more time at Wrigley Field.

The Lovable Reunion podcast will serve as the ongoing audio companion to all of this nostalgia — a way for fans to relive the magic through the voices of the people who made it happen, across what promises to be a memorable summer in Chicago.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does 'The Lovable Reunion' podcast launch?

The podcast launches on March 31 / April 1, 2026, coinciding with the start of the MLB season. The first episode was taped with Jon Lester.

Where can I listen to 'The Lovable Reunion'?

The podcast will be available on Colin Cowherd's The Volume network and on YouTube. Look for it on major podcast platforms as well when it goes live.

Is the podcast affiliated with the Chicago Cubs organization?

No. Rizzo and Ross have stated that the podcast is independent of the Cubs organization and that they retain full editorial control over the content.

When did Anthony Rizzo retire from baseball?

Anthony Rizzo officially announced his retirement in 2025, after a career that included stints with the Chicago Cubs (2012–2021), San Diego Padres, and New York Yankees. He earned three All-Star selections during his career.

What is the Cubs' 2016 reunion event in 2026?

The Chicago Cubs are hosting an on-field 2016 World Series team reunion on July 18, 2026, at Wrigley Field against the Minnesota Twins. The team also held a reunion gathering at Cubs Convention in January 2026.

Conclusion

The launch of "The Lovable Reunion" is more than a podcast announcement — it's a love letter to one of baseball's most celebrated championship teams and the city that still holds them close. With Anthony Rizzo and David Ross at the helm, complete creative freedom, and a guest list packed with 2016 Cubs legends, the show is positioned to be essential listening for anyone who still gets chills thinking about that magical night in Cleveland.

As the 2026 MLB season begins and the 10th anniversary celebrations ramp up, Cubs fans have a front-row seat to the stories behind the story. Tune in starting March 31 on The Volume network — because some championships deserve to be relived, over and over again.