The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
Former Longhorn Russell makes Major League Baseball debut
04.06.2010 | Baseball
April 6, 2010
AUSTIN, Texas -- James Russell made his Major League Baseball debut on Monday, April 5, becoming the 97th player to finish his collegiate career as a Longhorn and go on to appear in a Major League game.
The Chicago Cubs' left-hander pitched two innings of scoreless relief against the Atlanta Braves in the season opener at Turner Field. He allowed two hits while striking out one in his debut.
Russell, who transferred to UT after two years at Navarro College, was a second-team All-Big 12 Conference performer in 2007. He posted an 8-4 record and a 3.86 ERA in his lone season on the Forty Acres. He was selected by the Cubs in the 14th round of the 2007 MLB First-Year Player Draft.
Texas has had a former player make a debut in each of the last nine seasons, including Jose Flores in 2002, Stephen Randolph in 2003, Scott Dunn, Brad Halsey and Phil Seibel in 2004, J.P. Howell, Omar Quintanilla and Huston Street in 2005, Brandon Fahey in 2006, Curtis Thigpen in 2007, Taylor Teagarden in 2008 and Drew Stubbs in 2009.