Jeff Russell
Jeff Russell | |
---|---|
Pitcher | |
Born: Cincinnati, Ohio, U.S. | September 2, 1961|
Batted: Right Threw: Right | |
MLB debut | |
August 13, 1983, for the Cincinnati Reds | |
Last MLB appearance | |
September 27, 1996, for the Texas Rangers | |
MLB statistics | |
Win–loss record | 56–73 |
Earned run average | 3.75 |
Strikeouts | 693 |
Saves | 186 |
Teams | |
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Career highlights and awards | |
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Jeffrey Lee Russell (born September 2, 1961) is an American former
A two-time American League All-Star in 1988 and 1989, Russell finished his Major League career with 186 career saves. In 1989, as a member of the Rangers, he led the A.L. in saves with 38 and won the 1989 A.L. Rolaids Relief Man Award.
Russell's son, James Russell, made the Opening Day roster of the Chicago Cubs in 2010.
Russell became the pitching coach for the
College and Minor Leagues
The
Major League Career
On August 13, 1983, playing in front of the home crowd at Riverfront Stadium, Russell made his major league debut at the age of 21. In his major league debut, Russell pitched a complete game, allowing just five hits in the Reds 3–1 victory over the San Diego Padres. In addition to pitching a complete game in his major league debut, Russell got his first career hit and RBI. In the bottom of the 6th inning, Russell got a hit off Padres starter John Montefusco, a double that drove in Dann Bilardello for the third and final run.[3] Russell finished his first season in the big leagues with a 4–5 record and an ERA of 3.03.
The 1984 season was a rough season for Jeff as he finished with a 6–18 record and an ERA of 4.26. Not only did Jeff flirt with losing 20 games in a season, but he ended up leading the NL in losses with 18. On July 23, 1985, Russell was the player to be named later in a huge trade. The Texas Rangers sent third baseman
Post career
Russell took time off after he retired to spend with his family. He later ventured on a coaching career that would land him with the independent Texas Airdogs.[5]
Awards and leaderboards
In 1984, Russell finished tenth in the league in hit by pitch, and eighth in shutouts with two.[6] He was the 1989 American League Rolaids relief pitcher of the year. In 2017, the Texas Rangers inducted Russell and former outfielder Juan González into the franchise's hall of fame. Russell's plaque lists him as the busiest relief pitcher in Rangers history.[7]
See also
- List of Major League Baseball annual saves leaders
- List of second-generation Major League Baseball players
References
- ^ "1980 Eugene Emeralds Statistics". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved 2020-04-07.
- ^ "1981 Tampa Tarpons Statistics". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved 2020-04-07.
- ^ "San Diego Padres at Cincinnati Reds Box Score, August 13, 1983". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved 2020-04-07.
- ^ "Jeff Russell Stats". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved 2020-04-07.
- ^ Lee Passmore (2016-07-09). "The long and winding road: Ex-MLB star Russell enjoys teaching aspect of being pitching coach - Sports - Amarillo Globe-News - Amarillo, TX". Amarillo.com. Retrieved 2020-04-07.
- ^ "Jeff Russell Stats". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved 2020-04-07.
- ^ "Juan Gonzalez, Jeff Russell enter Rangers' Hall of Fame". Dallas News. July 12, 2015.
External links
- Career statistics and player information from Baseball Reference