Retired Cubs catcher David Ross scored high marks from all of the judges on Monday’s season premiere of "Dancing with the Stars."
Ross — rebranded as "Grandpa Sexy" — wore a blinged-out Cubs uniform as he danced the quickstep to Steve Goodman’s "Go Cubs Go" with professional partner Lindsay Arnold.
"It’s not a home run, but I’ll tell you, you got yourself to first base," judge Len Goodman said.
Ross and Arnold earned a score of 28 out of 40 as judges praised Ross’ charm. Judge Bruno Tonioli compared the 40-year-old Ross to a teenager on spring break.
Ross’ teammates Anthony Rizzo and Jake Arrieta were Skyped in from Arizona, where the Cubs are spring training. Rizzo called Ross’ performance unbelievable.
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South Side native Mr. T didn’t fare as well. He wore bedazzled camouflage as he danced the cha cha to the theme song of his ’80s series "The A-Team" with partner Kym Herjavec.
He scored 20 out of 40 as judge Carrie Ann Inaba pointed out he made mistakes. Goodman said the "T" probably doesn’t stand for technique, but for tenacity and trying hard.
Mr. T on “Dancing with the Stars”
South Side native Mr. T appears on Monday’s season premiere of "Dancing with the Stars."
South Side native Mr. T appears on Monday’s season premiere of “Dancing with the Stars.”
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Meanwhile, former Chicago resident Nick Viall danced the cha cha with Peta Murgatroyd to DJ Snake’s "Let Me Love You." "The Bachelor" star, who wore a shirt unbuttoned down his chest, earned a score of 24 out of 40.
Viewers can vote online at abc.com, via Facebook and by phone. None of the 12 pairs of competitors will be eliminated this week.
The Tribune looks at how contestants with ties to the Chicago area have fared on “Dancing with the Stars.”
Season 24 of "Dancing with the Stars" airs 7 p.m. Mondays on ABC. The winning couple gets the mirror ball trophy.
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