Russ Christopher

Russell Ormand Christopher (September 12, 1917 – December 5, 1954) was an American right-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball who played for seven seasons in the American League with the Philadelphia Athletics and Cleveland Indians. In 241 career games, Christopher pitched 999⅔ innings and posted a win-loss record of 54–64, with 46 complete games, three shutouts, and a 3.37 earned run average (ERA).

A 6'3, 180 lb. player from Richmond, California, he played minor league baseball in the New York Yankees organization before being acquired by the Athletics in the rule 5 draft. Christopher joined the Athletics' major league roster in 1942 and played six seasons for them, and made his only All-Star appearance in 1945. He was traded to the Indians before the 1948 season, and played one year of baseball with them. After the season ended, he retired due to health concerns and worked at an aircraft plant until his death in 1954.

Early life and minor leagues

Christopher was born in Richmond, California. His brother, Loyd Christopher, went on to become a major league outfielder. Loyd was the one first interested in becoming a professional baseball player, but would not sign a contract unless Russ signed one as well. As a child, Christopher had a case of rheumatic fever, which damaged his heart.