Twins minor leaguer Paul Russo worked with some big names in the offseason, friends of his from the Tampa area, The Racine Journal Times wrote in July 1991.
Those friends included the likes of Dwight Gooden, Fred McGriff and Luis Gonzalez, The Journal Times wrote.
"They've been more of an influence. They've made it to the show," Russo told The Journal Times. "Knowing that those guys made it, you've played with these guys all your life, it makes you a better player."
For Russo, he was in his second season as a pro. He went on to play a decade, but he never could join his friends in the majors. He topped out at AAA.
Russo's career began in 1990, taken by the Twins in the 16th round of the draft out of the University of Tampa
Russo started with the Twins at rookie Elizabethton. He saw 62 games and hit .335. He then moved to single-A Kenosha, where he hit .271 over 125 games.
He made AA Orlando for 1992. That July, he made the league All-Star team. He spoke to The Tampa Bay Times about how he valued power over average.
"As long as I can hit the ball as hard as I can and as often as I can I'm happy," Russo told The Times. "Batting average doesn't really matter t hat much. I concentrate on swinging the bat well and hitting the ball hard."
Russo made AAA Portland for 1993, the first of what would be seven-straight seasons where he would spend at least part of the season at AAA. He moved to the Padres system for 1995, then Yankees for 1997 and the Astros for 1998 and 1999.
He spoke with The Tampa Tribune in January 1998 about his longevity.
"All I've ever asked for in my career was a chance," Russo told The Tribune. "It's just a matter of playing the game so you can show what you can do. That's all."
Russo has since gone on to return to the Tampa area and become an instructor. He continues in 2024 as head instructor and owner of Hit Factory Tampa.
- Racine Journal Times, July 6, 1991: Birds of a feather
- Tampa Bay Times, July 22, 1992: 'A hot Twins prospect' likes the look of life
- Tampa Tribune, Jan. 31, 1998: Russo's stance: he can play given chance
Made the Majors:1,416-32.2
Never Made Majors:2,986-67.8%-X
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