Bill Russell

Bill Russell was born in Pittsburg, graduated from Pittsburg High School in 1966 and attended Pittsburg State University.

In 1969, Russell broke into the majors with the Los Angeles Dodgers.  Described as a “quiet Midwesterner” by pitcher Tommy John, Russell played 18 seasons with the Dodgers and appeared 2,181 games, more than any player in Los Angeles Dodger history.

Russell was part of the famed Dodger infield with Steve Garvey, Dave Lopes and Ron Cey.  He played in four World Series, winning in 1981.  He retired after the 1986 season, with career marks of .263 and 1,926 hits.

Russell joined Tommy Lasorda’s coaching staff in 1987.  For two seasons, he managed the Dodgers’ Class AAA team in Albuquerque.  He rejoined the major league coaching staff and was named manager after Lasorda suffered a heart attack and retired in 1996.

Russell led the Dodgers to runner-up finishes in the National League West in 1996 and 1997.  After a 36-38 start in 1998, Russell was surprisingly fired, ending his 30-year tenure with the team.

Russell went on to coach for Tampa Bay and managed farm teams for the Rays and San Francisco Giants.