Brody Russell - Anchorage Glacier Pilots

Anchorage Glacier Pilots All-Star Brody Russell

By Cherie Smith Brody Russell is a freshman outfielder and a second baseman from Fresno State. He is playing collegiate summer baseball for the Anchorage Glacier Pilots. Russell is from Bakersfield, CA and attended Centennial High School in Bakersfield graduating in 2012. In the 2012 Major League Baseball Draft, Russell was drafted by the Pittsburg Pirates in the 36th round.

Fresno State is in the Mountain West Conference. They are entering their second year in the conference. Russell made the 2013 Mountain West Academic All-Conference team as a freshman. In 2013, he played in 48 games, started 33, 123 at bats, 12 runs scored, 28 hits, three doubles, three homeruns, 16 RBIs, nine walks, 30 strikeouts, two sacrifice hits, 7-7 in stolen bases, .325 slugging percentage, .291 on base percentage, and a .228 batting average.

Russell loves playing for the Anchorage Glacier Pilots. He said, Brody Russell playing for the “It is such a fun team to be a part of and getting to play with 2013 Anchorage Glacier these guys is a great experience.” Russell plays second base and Pilots (from Brody Russell) right field for the Pilots. As of July 21, he played in 23 games, 74 at bats, 11 runs scored, 20 hits, seven doubles, one triple, nine RBIs, 11 walks, 14 strikeouts, three stolen bases, and a .270 batting average.

When asked about highlights of playing for the Pilots Russell said, “Meet new players from all over the country and being able to play with them and also making the ABL all star team. Our fans get really involved with our games and show great support for us.”

Russell played in the Summer Solstice Showdown on Saturday, June 22. It is played on the longest day of the year under sun with the game starting at 10 p.m. He played second base and batted fourth going 1-3, a sacrifice fly, and two RBIs. On Sunday, July 21 he participated in the State Farm Insurance Alaska Baseball League Homerun Derby and the Alaska Communications/State Farm Insurance Sponsors All-Stars Game. They are both hosted by the Alaska Baseball League that the Anchorage Glacier Pilots are a part of.

“Our host family is amazing. Taking care of us every day so we are blessed to be with the family we are with. They are great cooks so they feed us constantly and get us whatever we need,” Russell said.

Russell has grown up in Central California where the summers hit triple digits. Playing in Alaska is different weather. He said, “It's beautiful here. Some days it's beautiful and sunny and other days it's overcast and chilly. I'm loving the nature and scenery since I'm a pretty outdoorsy person.”