While most of the Tigers’ front office involved in the Miguel Cabrera trade had moved on by the time he retired last season, one key figure remains: Mike Russell.
At the time of the trade, Russell was a pro scout for the Tigers, responsible for scouting the National League East, including the Florida Marlins. His connection with Marlins assistant GM Dan Jennings helped ignite discussions that led to one of the most significant deals in the franchise’s history.
Now, a year after Cabrera’s retirement, Russell is also stepping down. He informed the Tigers earlier this month of his decision to retire, marking the end of a remarkable career in a league facing cuts to scouting departments.
“It’s amazing how fast 38 years have gone,” Russell reflected in a recent phone interview. He expressed gratitude for the many people who supported him along the way and emphasized his desire to mentor younger scouts. “It’s just been a great ride, and I’m so appreciative of everything.”
Russell’s 38 years in professional baseball included two stints with the Tigers, totaling 20 years. He began as a Major League scout and later served as a special assistant.
For the past two years, he worked as a senior advisor, evaluating the farm system that has produced key players as the Tigers aim for their first postseason appearance in a decade.
“That’s a pretty good run,” Russell said. “I saw a lot of wins, a lot of good times. I couldn’t have written this up any better.”
Russell’s impact extended beyond the Cabrera trade. He was part of Dave Dombrowski’s inner circle and played a crucial role in scouting free agents like Pudge Rodriguez and Javy Lopez after the Tigers’ tough 2003 season. Ultimately, he recommended Rodriguez, who helped the team significantly. Russell was also instrumental in the 2012 acquisition of Aníbal Sánchez and Omar Infante from the Marlins.
While no scout’s record is flawless, Russell’s contributions have greatly influenced the Tigers’ success on the field. “How can a kid of a plumber from Alabama and the grandson of a brick mason have this kind of life? It’s been great,” he said.
Off the field, Russell made a notable impact as well. When a Tigers fan known for his “Eat ‘Em Up Tigers” chants was tragically killed in a hit-and-run accident in 2013, Russell covered the costs for his funeral. He viewed this as a way to pay back the kindness shown to him by Tigers owner Mike Ilitch, who supported Russell during a personal tragedy in 2004.
Russell scouted for four clubs that reached the World Series: the 1989 Giants, the ’97 Marlins, and the 2006 and ’12 Tigers. In 2013, he was inducted into the Professional Baseball Scouts Hall of Fame.
The Tigers honored Russell during a recent game with a tribute on the video board at Comerica Park. The Pensacola Blue Wahoos, one of the teams he scouted often, also recognized his contributions, highlighting the respect he earned throughout his career.
