Russell Goes From Middle Infielder to Man in Middle

Make no mistake: Bill Russell kept saying the right things, insisting the Dodgers were still Tom Lasorda’s team, but how often does opportunity knock?

“You’d probably think I was dumb, naive or both if I sat here and said that I didn’t really think this was an audition for me,” Russell said on a quiet afternoon at Dodger Stadium in mid-July. He was talking about replacing the ailing Lasorda as Dodger manager at a time when he expected Lasorda back.

“I’ve been given the opportunity to show my ability and style, the way I do things, and I’m enjoying it,” Russell said.

“It’s that simple, but Tommy will be back.”

He won’t.

Although given medical clearance to return, Lasorda is expected to announce his retirement today.

It was not clear Sunday whether Russell’s interim role will immediately be extended beyond the rest of the season, but it does seem clear now that he is the full-time heir.

The names of Mike Scioscia, Phil Regan, Reggie Smith, Sparky Anderson, Bobby Valentine and others may still appear on a scratch pad somewhere in Peter O’Malley’s office, but it was Russell who heard the knock and answered, impressing players and the front office with a cool, confident and aggressive style that erased the clubhouse view (and concern?) that he might prove to be strictly a Lasorda clone.

At 47, Russell has emerged somewhere between the spotlight style of the enthusiastic and entertaining Lasorda and the strong, no-nonsense style of the Quiet Man who was Lasorda’s predecessor, Walter Alston.

It was under Alston that Russell came to the big leagues in 1969. He began his 18-year playing career as a center fielder, then spent 12 1/2 straight seasons at shortstop, starting in 1970. Al Campanis, then general manager, employed the Branch Rickey phrase of coconut snatching to describe the moving of a player from one position to another.

It’s how the Dodgers built the Infield of the ‘70s.

Russell and second baseman Davey Lopes were moved from center field. Steve Garvey was moved from third base to first, sending Bill Buckner to left field and opening a spot for Ron Cey at third.

A shy, strawberry blond from Pittsburg, Kan., Russell was right off the plains.

His sparse way with words made Alston seem like William Jennings Bryan, but if players knew better than to challenge the physically imposing Alston, Russell would soon demonstrate a similar strength and stability in the middle of the infield.

Ultimately, he also grew to be confident in his comments and opinions, and disagreed recently when it was suggested he seemed to fit the Alston verbal mold.

“I don’t really consider myself quiet unless you’re comparing me to Tommy,” he said. “Anyone would be quiet compared to Tommy.”

He compared Alston to his father, Warren Russell, and said the three most influential people in his career were his two major league managers--Alston and Lasorda--and the senior Russell.

“Walt was a lot like my dad,” Russell said. “He didn’t say much, but when he did, you’d better listen.

“He’d be speaking softly when he started a meeting, but you could hear him at the other end of the hall by the time he was through.

“There’s never a problem hearing Tommy.”

Alston is now in the Hall of Fame, and Lasorda is headed there.

Russell has apprenticed under two respected managers--far different in personality but successful in their jobs.

“I have my own style,” Russell said. “I learned from both, but I’m not copying either.

“You take what you learn and build your own program.”

Without a catalytic leadoff hitter or consistent productivity at every offensive position except catcher, the Dodgers have basically remained on their season-long treadmill under Russell, but he hasn’t merely gone along for the ride.

His aggressive attempt to generate offense when it hasn’t been there has won player approval and respect.

This is clearly a tough assignment. Under the microscope as midseason successor to a legend, Russell also faces a division dogfight that figures to go the distance, which is what Alston and Lasorda did.

Alston spent 23 years at the Dodgers helm. This was Lasorda’s 20th.

Russell has been with the organization since 1966, rejecting chances to interview for other managerial and coaching openings.

Loyalty and stability are clearly important to O’Malley. His new manager may not chalk up 20 or more years like his predecessors, but it seems certain he will be more than an interim.