Year Inducted – 2002

A strong, talented right-handed pitcher who led Springfield High to 3 consecutive Metro League titles (1938-40). His lone defeat in those years came against Canton McKinley in the 1940 state championship game after he pitched and won the semifinal the day before. Russ moved into the AA League while at Kent State and played for New Havens, West Chevrolet (14-3 record, ’41), East Akron Merchants ’42, striking out 19 Borden Auto batters in his last game before joining the Army. Played with 20th Corps Artillery ’45; came home to pitch for and manage Canton Road Furniture. Taught history at the University of Akron, was a thoroughbred racing columnist, earned a PhD in history at Lehigh at age 75.