Former Ohio pitcher Adam Russell has helped put the Ohio baseball program on the map with his performance in the Major Leagues over the last month.
The North Olmsted, Ohio native, who pitched for the American League Central leading White Sox for a month, recorded three wins over that stretch, including two over his hometown Cleveland Indians.
Russell becomes the 19th player to reach the Major Leagues since 1900, Ohio coach Joe Carbone said.
It's great for the young man that he's doing well because it's tough to get to the big leagues
he said. It gives our program some credibility that guys can come here and get a degree and also advance in their baseball careers.
Russell, who was sent back to Chicago's Triple-A affiliate in Charlotte July 20, posted a 3-0 record with a 5.59 earned run average for the club.
The 6-foot-8, 250 pound right-hander played three seasons for Ohio under Carbone from 2002 to 2004. Russell originally was drafted by the Florida Marlins in the 26th round of the 2001 draft out of high school, and improved his stock in the 2004 draft where he was selected in the sixth round by the White Sox.
Carbone said while he would never discourage a high school athlete from going pro but added that going to school has its benefits.
The big thing is they mature emotionally and mentally and that's a big part of professional baseball Carbone said.
Chicago White Sox officials did not return multiple phone calls seeking contact with Russell.
Others in the minors
Russell is the most recent player to reach the Major Leagues, just after third basemen Adam Fox was added to the Texas Rangers' 40-man roster in 2007. Fox became the first player at Ohio under Joe Carbone to make a Major League Roster.
Fox is playing for the Rangers' Double-A affiliate Frisco RoughRiders, hitting .250 with six home runs and 33 RBI.
Another former Ohio player playing in the minor leagues is outfielder Anthony Gressick who is hitting .224 with three home runs and four RBI in 17 games for the Cincinnati Reds' Single-A affiliate in Dayton.
Former Ohio pitcher Derek Witt is with the Single-A Lakeland Flying Tigers, an affiliate of the Detroit Tigers. Witt has posted a 3-2 record with a 2.63 ERA in 51.1 innings.
Rounding out the players in the minor league ranks is the most recent Bobcat, outfielder Matt Stiffler, who is playing for the Billings Mustangs. Stiffler is hitting .200 with four RBI in 12 games for the Mustangs.
Carbone said he maintains contact with all of his players playing in the minor through phone calls and email correspondence.
17
Archives
Steve Gartner
