The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
Russell drafted by Los Angeles Dodgers
06.05.2008 | Baseball
AUSTIN, Texas -- Texas Longhorns outfielder Kyle Russell was selected by the Los Angeles Dodgers with the 93rd overall pick in the third round of the 2008 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft on Thursday.
"I'm very thankful for the coaches, teammates and fans for the support they've given me," Russell said. "Without them, I wouldn't be where I'm at today. Coming to UT was one of the greatest experiences and it's something I'll always come back to. Hopefully I touched the hearts of a lot of people and I thank them for everything. I'm looking forward to what the future holds."
Russell earned All-Big 12 Honorable Mention in 2008, hitting .300 with 19 home runs and 56 RBI. He was also tabbed Most Outstanding Player of the 2008 NCAA Houston Regional last weekend when he put on a power show with four home runs in four games, including two in a victory over Sam Houston State.
He ended the season as Texas' all-time home run leader with 57.
Last season, the Horns' starting rightfielder earned first-team Collegiate Baseball All-America, American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA) All-Midwest Region, Big 12 Player of the Year and first-team All-Big 12. Russell led the nation with 28 home runs and ranked sixth with a .807 slugging percentage. He posted a .336 batting average with 68 runs, 71 RBI and 10 stolen bases on the year.
He was picked by the St. Louis Cardinals in the fourth round of the 2007 MLB Draft.
