John Russell is a former Major League Baseball catcher who played for the Philadelphia Phillies, Atlanta Braves, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Texas Rangers. He was drafted by the Phillies in 1982 and made his MLB debut in 1984. Russell was known for his defensive skills behind the plate and his ability to handle pitchers.
During his playing career, Russell was a backup catcher for most of his time in the majors. He played in a total of 448 games over 10 seasons, hitting .225 with 15 home runs and 85 RBIs. Russell was a reliable defensive catcher, throwing out 36% of attempted base stealers during his career.
After retiring as a player, Russell became a coach and manager in the minor leagues. He managed in the Pirates' minor league system for several years before being named the team's manager in 2008. Russell managed the Pirates for three seasons, compiling a record of 186-299.
Russell was known for his calm demeanor and his ability to communicate effectively with players. He was respected by his players and was known for his attention to detail and his willingness to work hard to help his team succeed.
After leaving the Pirates, Russell served as the bench coach for the Baltimore Orioles for two seasons before being named the third base coach for the Seattle Mariners in 2014. He remained with the Mariners until 2018, when he was let go by the team.
Overall, John Russell had a successful career in baseball as both a player and a coach. He was known for his defensive skills as a catcher and his ability to communicate effectively with players as a coach and manager. While he may not have been a star player, Russell was a valuable member of every team he played for and coached.
⚾