Ex-Cub David Ross Will Skydive To Open Chicago Air And Water Show

CHICAGO, IL — For a guy who is supposed to be retired, David Ross is probably working more now than his 15 seasons as a major-league catcher. Since he retired after he and the Chicago Cubs won a World Series championship last year, Ross was named a special assistant to the Cubs, he appeared and was the runner-up on "Dancing with the Stars," and he's been recruited by ESPN to be an on-air analyst during baseball games the network broadcasts. But he apparently still needs more on his plate to fill up all he's newly found free time.

Ross will help open the 59th Annual Chicago Air and Water Show by performing a tandem skydive jump with the Golden Knights, the US Army Parachute Team, according to the event's organizers. He's expected to land in front of the Boat House at North Avenue Beach just after 10 a.m. Saturday, the first day of the free event.

The Chicago air show runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 19, and Sunday, Aug. 20, along the lakefront from Fullerton Avenue to Oak Street. North Avenue Beach will work as the show center on both days. Organized by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, the air show will feature the US Navy Blue Angels, the US Navy Leap Frogs and daredevil pilots — military and civilian — performing aerial stunts. (Get Patch real-time email alerts for the latest news for Chicago — or your neighborhood. And iPhone users: Check out Patch's new app.)

Having Ross open Chicago's annual event in such spectacular fashion is a big get for the air show. It would only improve if Ross did the skydive shirtless to show off the faux six-pack he had during his "Magic Mike" performance on "Dancing with the Stars." He might even be compelled to do a little dance of joy when he safely touches down on terra firma.

RELATED: Ex-Chicago Cub David Ross Finishes 2nd On 'Dancing With The Stars'

Check Chicago Patch later this week for all the information you need to attend Chicago Air and Water Show this weekend.

Former Chicago Cubs catcher David Ross and dance partner Lindsay Arnold end their baseball-themed routine during the season 24 premiere of ABC's "Dancing With the Stars" on Monday, March 20. (screen shot via ABC | YouTube)

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