John Russell Joins the Buccos

So another former Phillie has landed himself a coaching job.

John Russell, a Phightin' from '84 to '88, has been hired as the next whipping boy, errr, manager of the beleagured (and perhaps "de-league-ered" in the future) Pittsburgh Pirates. Tough task at hand trying to rebuild a team that hasn't had a winning season since 1992. Obviously the other side of Pennsylvania also hasn't fared all that well in baseball in the past decade, though at least the Phils have shown some promise as of late. Russell had been managing the Red Barons, errr, Iron Pigs in the Phils' farm system and will be making his first stop as a Big League manager.

During his playing years, Russell put together a Sal Fasano-like career (according to BaseballReference.com) with a .225 career batting average, 34 homers, 129 RBIs and one-third of an inning pitched for the Braves in '89 (he has a career 0.00 ERA, in fact, as he gave up no runs). A multi-position fielder, Russell camped out in the outfield most often but also played catcher fairly often.

We wish you well Coach Russell. Good luck in the Steel City. You might need it.