Russell was a loser as a starting pitcher, compiling a 41-91 record with the Red
Sox from 1926 through 1932. Made a reliever when he joined Washington in 1933, he
responded by leading the AL with 13 saves and 11 relief wins. In the final game of
the 1933 World Series, he pitched 4-2/3 scoreless innings before
Mel Ott homered
off him in the tenth to win it for the Giants. Russell's 54 appearances and seven
relief victories were league highs in 1934, as he became the first reliever named
to the AL All-Star squad. After retiring, he settled in Clearwater, Florida, and
became City Commissioner. He helped put through the construction of a new spring
training stadium, named after him, for the Phillies.
(NLM)