The Chicago Cubs are marking the 10th anniversary of their 2016 World Series season throughout 2026, with a team reunion planned for July 18 after having already held one back in January.
The 2016 championship ended a 108-year drought for the Cubs and remains one of the biggest moments in franchise history, with many of the players still closely tied to the organization and its fan base.
First-baseman Anthony Rizzo retired in 2025 after a 14-year major league career and has stayed visible around the Cubs while pursuing a broadcasting career, with the former player set to work for NBC Sports and Netflix.
David Ross, meanwhile, finished his 15-year playing career with that 2016 title, later managing the Cubs from 2020 through 2023 before working on television as an analyst for ESPN.
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The two former teammates are now teaming up again as Chicago opens the 2026 season under heavy nostalgic feelings and memories from that championship run.
Rizzo and Ross will join forces in the "Lovable Reunion" podcast, which they announced on Wednesday, with the official statement saying the show will see them "interview former members of the 2016 squad about the stories and memories from that season."
“This is us alone,” Rizzo said about the podcast, per the Chicago Tribune. “Me and Rossy were talking, and with the 10-year reunion we wanted to do this. Whenever we all get together we just sit down and everyone tells stories. I always wanted to do a podcast after I was playing, and (Ian) Happ tried to always get me to do one while I was playing, but it was too much of a commitment.”
Guests mentioned in trailers and reports include Kris Bryant, Joe Maddon, Jon Lester, Jake Arrieta, John Lackey, Kyle Schwarber and Addison Russell.
“We get down with these sitdowns, and the guys are ticked off they don’t get to travel around with us and get to hang out with everybody and hear the stories,” Ross said. “And they can’t believe when (it’s over). We’ll do a two-hour session, and the guys want to keep going. It’s amazing how much fun everyone has had doing this.”
The series will include filmed interviews and behind-the-scenes details from the 2016 Cubs' title run, with the first episode set for Mar. 31.
