He played 10 seasons from 1984 to 1993 with the Philadelphia Phillies, Atlanta Braves and Texas Rangers, mostly as a platoon or reserve player.

On May 27, 1984, Portland Beavers manager Lee Elia, angered over a call, was ejected by umpire Pam Potesma.

[1] Russell made his major league debut with the Phillies on June 22, 1984, and stayed with the team through the 1988 season.

He left the Twins organization after the 2000 season; he interviewed with the Phillies for their vacant managerial spot, but the job went to Larry Bowa.

In 2002 Russell led Edmonton to a Pacific Coast League title, and was again honored by Baseball America, being named the best managerial prospect in the minors.

Russell was unpopular among some Pirates fans because of the frequency of runners he waved home that were thrown out at the plate.

[4] Prior to the 2007 season, Russell interviewed for the Texas Rangers managerial vacancy; the position ultimately went to longtime Oakland A's third-base coach Ron Washington.

He spent parts of four seasons in the Orioles system and one with the Perth Heat of the Australian Baseball League.