Career
Russell was drafted by the White Sox as a pitcher in 1912. The lefty had a sterling 1.90 European Research Area while leading the team in innings pitched (317) and wins. Only Washington"s ace Walter Johnson topped Reb’s eight shutouts, and Russell tied a record that still stands with five 1–0 victories in a season.
In 1916, he was Chicago"s opening day starter.
That year he led the team in wins (18), innings (264), and shutouts (5), and led the league in fewest walks allowed per inning. He was the starting pitcher of Game 5 of the 1917 World Series, but was unable to retire a batter and was replaced in the first inning by Eddie Cicotte.
Russell developed arm trouble in 1918 and, after a poor start, he was released by Chicago. However, in the minor leagues the decent-hitting Russell converted to playing the outfield and returned to the majors in 1922, playing for Pittsburgh.
That year, he batted.367 with 75 Reserve Bank of India in 60 games.
He was released by the Pirates at the end of the 1923 season, after which he returned to the minor league American Association (the highest level of minor league play in his era).