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.
