Russell Makes Minor Job Change

After 33 years in the Dodger organization, Bill Russell is moving to an organization in only its second year of existence, being hired as a minor league manager for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays on Thursday.

Russell, 51, was fired on June 21 last year, his third year as manager of the Dodgers. And although he played more games as a Los Angeles Dodger than anybody, 2,181 from 1969-86, Russell isn’t looking back.

“I look at this as new beginning, a chance to make myself and this team successful,” said Russell, who will manage Tampa Bay’s double-A affiliate in Orlando, Fla.

The Dodgers were 173-149 in 322 games with a playoff appearance under Russell, who took over for Tommy Lasorda on July 29, 1996. Russell and Executive Vice President Fred Claire were fired shortly after the Fox Group took over the Dodgers.

“[Being fired is] part of the game,” said Russell, who said he received other job offers, but only in scouting and instructional positions. “It happens to a lot of people, and it will probably happen again. I’ve learned from it and now I just go on.”