Happy birthday to Jeff Russell, who turns 49 today.
Russell was acquired by the Rangers, along with Duane Walker, in exchange for Buddy Bell during the 1985 season, in a deal that devastated me as a 14 year old, since Buddy Bell was my favorite player.
Russell ultimately stepped into the Rangers closer role after Mitch Williams was dealt and did a solid job there, before being dealt, along with Ruben Sierra and Bobby Witt, to Oakland for Jose Canseco.
Russell ended up returning to Texas at the end of his career, spending his last two seasons, in 1995 and 1996, with Texas, and was a member of the Rangers' first playoff team.