There have been a number of individuals from Lafayette, and the Acadiana area, that have played in Major League Baseball over the years.

Obviously, the entire state of Louisiana has produced even more.

As a matter of fact, 246 people born in the state of Louisiana have appeared in a Major League Baseball game, beginning in 1874, with John Peters of New Orleans, who played 11 years, with the likes of the Chicago White Stockings, Milwaukee Grays, Providence Grays, Buffalo Bisons, and Pittsburgh Alleghenys.

All summer, we’ll preview a player from the state of Louisiana that appeared in Major League baseball, starting with players from Lafayette, before spotlighting players from the Acadiana area, and then a few from the state itself.

Yesterday, we spotlighted Gerald Alexander.

Today, we feature Russ Springer.

Born in Alexandria in 1968, Springer, a right-handed pitcher, played parts of 18 seasons in Major League Baseball, with the New York Yankees (1992), California Angels (1993-1995), Philadelphia Phillies (1995-1996), Houston Astros (1997, and 2004-2006), Atlanta Braves (1998 and 1999), Arizona Diamondbacks (1998-2001), St. Louis Cardinals (2003, and 2007-2008), Oakland A's (2009), Tampa Bay Rays (2009), and Cincinnati Reds (2010).

Springer went to Grant High School in Dry Prong, La., and then played his college baseball at LSU, before being selected by the New York Yankees in the 7th round of the 1989 Major League Baseball Amateur Draft.

The 6-foot-4, 195-pound Springer made his Major League debut on April 17, 1992, at the age of 23, tossing 4.0 innings against the Cleveland Indians.

Springer went on to appear in 14 games for the Yankees in 1992, accumulating a 6.19 ERA. over 16.0 innings of work.

1996 saw Springer get the most extensive playing time of his career, in terms of innings pitched, going 3-10 with a 4.66 ERA. over a career-high 96.2 innings pitched, while pitching for the Phillies.

From 2004-2008, Springer was one of the top relievers in baseball, going a combined 16-8 with an ERA. of under 3.00.

Springer arguably had his best season in 2007, with the Cardinals, when he went 8-1 with a sparkling 2.18 ERA.

In parts of 18 seasons in Major League Baseball, Springer appeared in 740 games, including 27 as a starter, going 36-45 with a 4.52 ERA.

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