Andy Russell turned his natural athleticism into a true love affair with the sport of baseball. In return, baseball gave him a pair of national championships at Madison College and years more of joy behind the plate.
A three-sport high school athlete, Andy’s time at DeSote High School resulted in a state tournament appearance, 12 varsity letters, and numerous postseason accolades that included back-to-back conference player of the year awards in baseball. Andy brough his skills and versatility to Madison College, which was fresh off its first-ever run to a national championship under head coach Leo Kalinowski. MATC struggled to a 12-10 record to start the year, but turned it around and won 22 of their next 24 games on their way to a repeat NJCAA Division III National Championship. Andy’s role on the team grew as the season went on, culminating in a home run to help beat Waubonsee Community College by a 7-2 final in the winner-take-all title game. He finished the season with 34 hits and a .362 batting average, to go along with 25 runs scored and 20 runs batted in. Andy also took the mound three times, including a pair of starts, and worked a total of seven innings, struck out 14 batters, and walked none. Following the season, Andy was voted the recipient of the Coaches Award.
Two-time defending champion MATC was the top-ranked team in the country for Andy’s sophomore season. One of just two returning position players, Andy stepped into a much more prominent role and didn’t disappoint. While playing a very solid third base, Andy hit .372 with 51 hits, 47 runs batted in, and 41 runs scored. In addition, he went 2-0 in three appearances on the hill with 17 strikeouts and a 3.00 earned run average. The team rolled to a 38-7 record and a record third consecutive national title, while also keeping their run of WTCC, WJCAA, and Region 13 crowns alive. Andy took home the team Gold Glove award, as well as all-conference, all-state, and all-region honors. His biggest award, however, was being named NJCAA Second Team All-American.
“Andy was all-around athlete who came from the small town of Desoto, Wisconsin, with the dream of playing college ball and moving on to play at an even higher level,” commented former Madison College Baseball Coach Leo Kalinowski. “Andy had a great attitude and drive that made him special. He was a quiet leader who went about his business to improve the team and himself. His work ethic never went unnoticed and was highly respected by his teammates.”
Andy left Madison to continue his playing career at NCAA Division II Cameron University in Lawton, Oklahoma. He continued to play third base and pitch for the Aggies. When his playing days were done, Andy continued to show his love for the game through umpiring and coaching. He ump’d games from the youth level to college to professional baseball, and even spent two years as an instructor at the Jim Evans Academy of Professional Umpiring. Over his years behind the plate, Andy was recognized numerous times for his accomplishments and was selected to umpire several all-star games and postseason tournaments. He also spent five years coaching high school baseball and middle school basketball back in DeSoto. Andy has also taken to the road as a truck driver for the past decade. He currently lives in LaCrescent, Minnesota, and spends his free time riding his motorcycle, going to the casino, and playing video games, like MLB The Show 25.
When asked about his time at Madison College, Andy said,
“Madison College gave me unforgettable memories and lessons in resilience and teamwork. During my time there, I grew not only in skill, but also in confidence and perseverance. The support of my coaches and peers pushed me to be my best and the lessons I learned remain some of the most meaningful in my life. I even managed to hit a home run at the national tournament on a curveball, because Leo worked with me a great deal trying to keep my weight back on off-speed pitches. And I actually did it!”
