Russ Ortiz is a former Major League Baseball pitcher who played for several teams during his career. He was born on June 5, 1974, in Van Nuys, California, and attended the University of Oklahoma, where he played college baseball.
Ortiz was drafted by the San Francisco Giants in the fourth round of the 1995 MLB draft and made his debut with the team in 1998. He quickly established himself as a reliable starter, earning a spot in the Giants' rotation and helping the team reach the playoffs in 2000.
In 2002, Ortiz had his best season, going 21-7 with a 3.81 ERA and finishing third in the National League Cy Young Award voting. He also helped lead the Giants to the World Series, where they lost to the Anaheim Angels in seven games.
After six seasons with the Giants, Ortiz signed with the Atlanta Braves in 2005. He spent two seasons with the Braves, posting a 15-22 record with a 4.67 ERA.
Ortiz then signed with the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2007, but struggled with injuries and inconsistency during his two seasons with the team. He was released by the Diamondbacks in 2009 and signed with the Houston Astros, where he finished his career in 2010.
Overall, Ortiz had a solid career, finishing with a 113-89 record and a 4.41 ERA. He was known for his durability and ability to eat innings, as well as his competitive spirit on the mound.
After retiring from baseball, Ortiz has remained involved in the sport, working as a broadcaster and coach. He also founded the Russ Ortiz Youth Foundation, which provides educational and athletic opportunities for underprivileged children.
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