Russ Springer improved enough to see 18 majors seasons
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Yankees minor leaguer Russ Springer showed what he could do in spring 1992, just over three years after college shoulder surgery, The Mamaroneck Daily Times wrote.
He'd gone four scoreless innings in two early appearances, The Daily Times wrote.
"This is a guy who's come along leaps and bounds since we signed him," Yankees bullpen coach Tony Cloninger told The Daily Times then. "He's a guy who could possibly be in the big leagues next year with continued improvement."
Springer went on to make the majors that year, and the next year to. He then hardly left the majors over 18 total seasons, last pitching in 2010.
Springer's career began in 1989, taken by the Yankees in the seventh round of the draft out of Louisiana State University.
Springer started with the Yankees in the rookie Gulf Coast League. He then played 1990 between the GCL and single-A Greensboro. He made AA Albany-Colonie in 1991 and AAA Columbus and the Bronx in 1992.
He saw 14 outings in 1992, then moved to the Angels and saw another 14, nine starts, in 1993. He saw 15 outings in 1994, then 33 between the Angels and Phillies in 1995.
In 1996, he became a regular with the Phillies as he saw 51 outings, seven starts. He had a 4.66 ERA and a 3-10 record. He pitched for the Astros in 1997, then the Diamondbacks and Braves in 1998.
"He still showed a good arm," Braves general manager John Schuerholz told The Macon Telegraph after trading for Springer in June 1998. "He still showed life on his fastball, and he throws (a lot of) innings."
Springer returned to the Diamondbacks for 2000, skipped 2002, then played for the Cardinals in 2003 and the Astros again from 2004 to 2006. He saw 62 outings in 2005, then 72 for the Astros in 2006 and 76 for the Cardinals in 2007.
In 2009, at age 40, Springer pitched in another 74 games between the Athletics and the Rays. Springer then finished out his career in 2010 with two final games with the Reds.
"I've never been an All-Star," Springer told The San Jose Mercury News in spring 2009 with the Athletics. "But one of the things I do take pride in is the fact I've always come back. My dad says, 'I don't know if it's hard work or hard-headedness that keeps you in the game.' I think it's probably a combination of both."
Overall, Springer saw 740 major league appearances, 27 starts, over 18 seasons. He went 36-45, with a 4.52 career ERA.
- Mamaroneck Daily Times, March 12, 1992: Yanks' Springer training
- Macon Telegraph, June 28, 1998: Bullpen needs revolving door
- San Jose Mercury News, March 16, 2009: Veteran reliever Springer helping A's young pitchers
Made the Majors:1,459-31.8%-X
Never Made Majors:3,133-68.2%