CANZLER JOINS SWB FRONT OFFICE

Former RailRider Russ Canzler Joins SWB Front Office

Canzler Named RailRiders Business Development Executive

 

Moosic, Pa. – The SWB RailRiders (Triple-A/New York Yankees) are excited to announce the hiring of former player, and Hazleton native, Russ Canzler as the team’s new Business Development Executive.

Canzler, 30, appeared in 51 games with SWB in 2014. Originally chosen by the Chicago Cubs in the 30th round of the 2004 First-Year Player Draft out of Hazleton High School, he made his Major League debut at 25-years-old with the Tampa Bay Rays in 2011. He appeared in 26 games with the Cleveland Indians in 2012. He finished with three home runs and 12 RBI to with a .271 batting average in 29 career Big League games. With seven different organizations over 12 Minor League seasons, Canzler tallied 141 home runs, 651 RBI and carried a combined .275 batting average.

“I’m tremendously excited and grateful to announce I'll be joining the Railriders front office,” Canzler said. “I love the game of baseball, I love our area, and I love this organization. I look forward to promoting the fun, entertaining culture that I first experienced here as a child. That same culture helped nurture my dreams of becoming a Major League Baseball player. Although my role in the game as changed, I will continue to bring the same passion and energy to the field that I did as a player.”

“Not only is Russ still very passionate about being in the game, we believe his traits as a player and person make him a no brainer to add to the organization” said RailRiders’ Chief Operating Officer Josh Olerud. “We believe he will be highly successful in the roles in which he is put in and there is no ceiling for his growth here. The sky is the limit.”

“The first NEPA-born player to wear our uniform, Russ will be a great addition to our staff,” said Jeremy Ruby, RailRiders general manager. “We’ve long viewed the Hazleton area as one of our greatest untapped resources and hope that with Russ as our ambassador, our family of fans and corporate partners can grow all the more.”

The RailRiders series against Buffalo (Toronto Blue Jays) continues with on Wednesday night at PNC Field. Right-hander Anthony Swarzak (0-1, 5.63) opposes Bisons southpaw Wade LeBlanc (1-1, 2.38). First pitch is set for 6:35 p.m. For tickets or more information, please call 570-969-BALL (2255) or visit swbrailriders.com.