Hall of Fame
Andy Russo 73’ – Class of 1989
The Cornerstone…
In the halcyon years, with Le Moyne College baseball established as a program that must be treated with respect, some might wonder how a single player could so dramatically affect the fortunes of the team for many years to come.
They don’t remember the days before Andy Russo played on The Heights.
His appearance at Le Moyne in the fall of 1969 marked the beginning of the possibilities that would eventually lead to a steady flow of top-quality recruits and post-season action. After starring at St. John the Evangelist and Cathedral high schools, Andy was the blue-chip player Dick Rockwell needed to make the Dolphins credible; the professional-caliber athlete whose presence on The Heights made his coach’s approach to other top prospects plausible.
He was without peer behind the plate, as evidenced by his selection as a Small College All-American. Blessed with a rifle arm and savvy instincts, Andy’s enormous talent made stolen base attempts a blunder for opponents and pickoffs a potent weapon in the Dolphin’s defense. The chance to throw to such a catcher was an enticement that attracted fine pitchers to Le Moyne. And his powerful frame and smooth swing made him a serious offensive threat – evidenced by a .402 average in 1972.
Injury limited him to three years of competition at Le Moyne, but he moved to the professional ranks as a third-round draft pick in 1973. That year he was a New York-Penn League all-star and the best-hitting catcher in the circuit, leading the Auburn squad to a championship.
Though injury once again intervened, abbreviating his professional career, Andy had prepared by completing his degree from Le Moyne, and today he is president of Russo Produce Company.
A son, Andrew, and two daughters, Kristina and Lindsay, now receive from Andy Russo and his wife, Lorraine, the strength and leadership he once shared with Dolphins teammates.
Andy Russo’s decision to attend Le Moyne College opened the door to the possibility of greatness for Dolphin baseball. And his example inspires young people to seek both education and athletic achievement.
The cornerstone of Dolphin baseball’s prominence, Andrew J. Russo ’73 is inducted into the Le Moyne College Athletic Hall of Fame.
April 28, 1989
