CHICAGO -- Has a backup catcher ever been honored as he approached his retirement as much as Chicago Cubs backstop David Ross? This time it was Cubs fans who kept the party going -- along with good friend Jon Lester?-- two days after the team honored him.Ross received four standing ovations and two curtain calls on Sunday night during the Cubs 3-1 win over the St. Louis Cardinals while Lester orchestrated a surprise mid-inning visit by manager Joe Maddon to give his catcher a moment in the spotlight.What a treat for a backup catcher to get, Ross said after the win, the Cubs 99th of the season and record 57th at home. Just overcome with emotion.It began in the second inning when Ross came to the plate for the first time in the game. The crowd gave him a standing ovation while Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina showed a lot of class, according to Ross, allowing the moment to linger by walking halfway to the mound. Standing ovation No. 2 came in the fifth, again before Ross stepped into the batters box. This time he homered, breaking a scoreless tie and sending 40,859 fans into a frenzy. Curtain call No.1 came moments later.I felt like I floated around the bases, Ross said smiling.Maddon added: It was just fitting David would hit a home run, isnt it? It had to happen tonight.It was Ross 10th home run this season, his most since 2007. The Hollywood script didnt end there, as his final plate appearance came in the sixth inning -- but with a runner on second base and the pitcher due up, the Cardinals decided to intentionally walk him. Standing ovation No.3 quickly turned into boos as Ross took four balls and walked to first base.Usually the fans are cheering when they intentionally walk me, Ross joked.Meanwhile, Lester was mowing the Cardinals down in his quest to win the National League Cy Young Award. He was leading 2-0, getting two quick outs in the seventh inning while barely reaching 80 pitches when Maddon made a walk to the mound. Was he really taking Lester out before he could finish the inning? He was actually there to pull Ross, as the manager and Lester had hatched a plan the day before to give their catcher a proper send-off.I felt like that was going to be the best time for people to really recognize him, Lester explained. Theres not many backup catchers in this game that get that. I really wanted to do something that was special to him and special to me ... When Joe came out there, you can tell Rossy was pretty heated [thinking Maddon was pulling Lester]. He was ready to let him hear it about where I was [with] my pitch [count].Ross confirmed he was angry at first. He had no idea it was all about him.Im like, Why is he taking Jon out? Ross said. Im kind of getting pissed.Lester continued: Its like the kid in the candy story when you tell him he can pick out whatever he wants. The disbelief in his face as he slams the face mask back down, [emotionally] saying, I love you guys, I love you guys, I love you guys.Then, Ross walked off the field to standing ovation No.4, followed by curtain call No.2. The water works took over from there. Ross was seen crying in the dugout on more than one occasion.How about Rossy, Lester said in summing up the night. He only cried about three times.The two close friends are likely to take the field together the next time the Cubs play at Wrigley, as that will be Game 1 of the divisional round of the playoffs on Oct. 7. As Lesters personal catcher, Ross and the Cubs lefty have combined to produce a magical season for Lester, who improved to 19-4 with a 2.28 ERA after Sundays game.?I thought Jon was fantastic again, Maddon said. Definitely making a strong case for the award. One win away from 20 wins and very close to 200 innings.Lester likely will get more than enough attention next month when he leads the Cubs into the postseason, but Sunday was about his 39-year-old reserve catcher playing in his final regular-season home game, which produced plenty of emotional moments. A home run, four standing ovations and two curtain calls will do that.I couldnt write it any better, Ross said, undoubtedly between tears. Custom Tony Phillips Jersey . Vancouver Whitecaps and Toronto FC failed to make the postseason while Montreal Impact fell at the first hurdle losing heavily to Houston Dynamo in the Eastern Conference Knockout Round. Athletics Jerseys China .ca NHL Power Rankings for the second straight week, ahead of the Pittsburgh Penguins and Colorado Avalanche. http://www.customathleticsjersey.com/ . PETERSBURG, Fla. Authentic Custom Athletics Jersey . Aside from the trilogy main event title fight, there are a number of intriguing matchups in the heavyweight, welterweight and lightweight divisions. Wholesale Custom Athletics Shirts .com) - Yankee Stadium is the home of the Bronx Bombers, but on Sunday afternoon it will open its gates to host the latest addition of the Hudson River Rivalry. MUNICH, Germany -- Ernie Els of South Africa won the BMW International Open by one shot Sunday for his 28th European Tour title. He closed with a third straight 3-under 69 to finish at 18-under 270 on the Eichenried Golf Club course. Els was in front after the first and second rounds and entered the last day as part of a three-way lead. Thomas Bjorn of Denmark shot a 69 and finished a stroke back. Alexander Levy of France had a 71 and was another stroke off the pace for his best result. Els is a two-time winner at both the U.S. Open and British Open. He is the first South African to win the BMW International in the competitions 25th edition. "Im a very young 43-year-old. Theres not a younger 43-year-old, I promise," Els joked. "Ive tried a long time to win this golf tournament. I reallyy had it going and then I made it tough for myself again," he added, referring to his bogey on the 11th hole.dddddddddddd Els started tied with Levy and Swedens Alex Noren, but the Swede had two bogeys and fell out of contention while Els, Levy and Bjorn each made three birdies to stay in front. Bjorn was tied for the lead with Els before a double bogey on the 14th hole -- after a bogey on No. 11 -- effectively ended the Danes chances despite six birdies. The 22-year-old Levys hopes of a first title ended with four bogeys over his first nine holes. Noren (72) finished tied for fourth with local favourite and 2008 winner Martin Kaymer (69) and Austrias Bernd Wiesberger (68). Defending champion Danny Willett of England shot a 72. He finished with an eagle for a share of 18th place. ' ' '