Russell Branyan

Russell Branyan
Branyan with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
Third baseman / First baseman / Outfielder
Born: (1975-12-19) December 19, 1975 (age 41) Warner Robins, Georgia
Batted: Left Threw: Right
MLB debut
September 26, 1998, for the Cleveland Indians
Last MLB appearance
September 26, 2011, for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
MLB statistics
Batting average	.232
Home runs	194
Runs batted in	467
Teams
Cleveland Indians (1998–2002) Cincinnati Reds (2002–2003) Milwaukee Brewers (2004–2005) Tampa Bay Devil Rays (2006) San Diego Padres (2006–2007) Philadelphia Phillies (2007) St. Louis Cardinals (2007) Milwaukee Brewers (2008) Seattle Mariners (2009) Cleveland Indians (2010) Seattle Mariners (2010) Arizona Diamondbacks (2011) Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (2011)

Russell Oles Branyan (born December 19, 1975) is an American former professional baseball first baseman. He throws right-handed, bats left-handed, and primarily played first base, but was capable of playing third base and the outfield. Branyan began his professional career in the Cleveland Indians minor league system. His major league debut was with the Indians on September 26, 1998. He has played for the Cleveland Indians (two occasions), Cincinnati Reds, Milwaukee Brewers (two occasions), Tampa Bay Devil Rays, San Diego Padres, Philadelphia Phillies, St. Louis Cardinals, the Seattle Mariners (two occasions), Arizona Diamondbacks, and Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.

Dubbed "Russell The Muscle", for his ability to hit long-distance home runs Branyan does not typically hit for a high batting average and strikes out frequently. However, he consistently draws walks and hits home runs. Branyan has been given the nickname 3TO, which stands for three true outcomes, for his propensity to either draw a walk, strike out, or hit a home run. One of the three outcomes occurred in 50.5% of his plate appearances during his major-league career. Because of this, players such as Jack Cust have drawn comparisons to Branyan.

Branyan was a 1994 graduate from Stratford Academy. His high school fostered such athletic talent like professional football player Le Kevin Smith and professional golfer Peter Persons. Branyan was selected as an All-Georgia State player in both 1993 and 1994. He was drafted out of Stratford Academy in the 1994 Major League Baseball draft by the Cleveland Indians in the seventh round (185th pick overall).