Former Copperhead back in the big leagues

By Brian Boesch

Adam Russell starred for the Southern Ohio Copperheads in the team’s inaugural season of 2002. The right-handed pitcher is back in the Major Leagues in a San Diego Padres uniform.

Originally a sixth-round selection by the Chicago White Sox, Russell was one of the four young pitchers the White Sox shipped to San Diego in order to acquire ace Jake Peavy.

After a few weeks at Triple-A Portland, Russell earned a promotion to the big leagues for the second time in his career. He made his first appearance for the Padres Wednesday against Atlanta, allowing one earned run in an inning and two thirds. San Diego lost to the Braves 12-5.

A feature on the former Copperhead and Ohio Bobcat is up on padres.com, and according to the story, Padres skipper Bud Black was impressed with Russell.

Russell made history last season by becoming the first former Copperhead to play in the big leagues. He went 4-0 with a 5.19 ERA in 22 appearances for Chicago, the eventual American League Central Division champions.