The Cincinnati Reds selected Russell out of Wyoming High School in the 5th round of the 1979 MLB June Amateur Draft. Instead of signing right away, Russell enrolled in Gulf Coast Community College. Russell did make his pro debut the following year. He was part of the starting rotation for the Eugene Emeralds of the Northwest League. while at Eugene, Russell was teammates with outfielder Eric Davis, who went on to reach stardom with the Reds in the 1980s. The team, which finished 37-33, was led by future San Diego Padres manager Greg Riddoch. In 1981, Russell was promoted to the Florida State League, where he played for the Reds affiliate there in Tampa. While at Tampa, Russell started 21 games, and finished with a 10-4 second, second behind Nick Fiorillo for most wins on the team. By 1983, Russell was pitching for the Reds Triple-A team in Indianapolis, where he went 5-5 and earned his first save in his baseball career.
Major League Career
On August 13th, 1983, playing in front of the home crowd at Riverfront Stadium, Russell made his major league debut at the age of 21. In his major league debut, Russell pitched a complete game, allowing just five hits in the Reds 3-1 victory over the San Diego Padres. In addition to pitching a complete game in his major league debut, Russell got his first career hit and RBI. In the bottom of the 6th inning, Russell got a hit off Padres starter John Montefusco, a double that drove in Dann Bilardello for the third and final run. Russell finished his first season in the big leagues with a 4-5 record and an E.R.A of 3.03. The 1984 season was a rough season for Jeff as he finished with a 6-18 record and an E.R.A. of 4.26. Not only did Jeff flirt with losing 20 games in a season, but he ended up leading the NL in losses with 18. On July 23rd, 1985, Russell was the player to be named later in a huge traded. The Texas Rangers sent Third Baseman Buddy Bell to the Reds for Outfielder Duane Walker. During his time in Texas, Russell was a steady part of the starting rotation and a two time all star. He was soon converted to relief and in 1989, he led the American League in saves with 38. Russell remained the closer with the Rangers until 1992, when he was part of another blockbuster trade. The Texas rangers sent Russell, outfielder Ruben Sierra and pitcher Bobby Witt to the Oakland A's in exchange for outfielder Jose Canseco. Russell finished the season with the A's before signing with the Boston Red Sox the following spring. Russell saved 33 games for Boston in 1993. Mid way through the 1994 season, Russell was traded to the Cleveland Indians for pitchers Steve Farr and Chris Nabholz. Russell spent the rest of the year with Cleveland before becoming a free agent and returning to Texas, where he spent the last two years of his career.
Post career
Russell took time off after he retired to spend with his family. He later ventured on a coaching career that would land him with the independent Texas Airdogs.
Awards and leaderboards
Jeff Russell was the 1989 Rolaids relief pitcher of the year. In 1984, he finished tenth in the league in hit by pitch, and eighth in shutouts with two. In 2017, the Texas Rangers inducted him and former outfielder Juan Golzalez into the franchise's hall of fame. Russell's plaque even stated that he was the busiest relief pitcher in Rangers history.
