Cubs' Ross to retire after 2016 season

David Ross, the Chicago Cubs catcher who's played for seven teams over 14 major-league seasons, says he's ready to call it a career.

Speaking to reporters at the Cubs' spring training facility, the veteran catcher said the 2016 season will be his last.

"It's time," Ross told CSNChicago's Tony Andracki. "I don't want to be that guy that stays at the party too long. It's time to get kicked out of the party."

Ross, who turns 39 next month, made his big-league debut with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2002, before stints with the Pittsburgh Pirates, San Diego Padres, Cincinnati Reds, Boston Red Sox, and Atlanta Braves. He signed a two-year deal with Chicago in December 2014.

"This isn't about me," Ross said. "There's so much good going on here. I don't think it should ever be about the backup catcher retiring that's a career .220 hitter. Listen, if it's about me, we're in trouble. There's none of that - this last this, this last that. I look forward to this ride."

The backstop won a World Series with the Red Sox in 2013, and owns a career slash line of .228/.314/.421 with 96 home runs.