The long road back: Chicago Cubs' Addison Russell battles inner demons

Chicago Cub's Addison Russell, left, and his ex-wife Melisa Reidy.

Chicago Cubs infielder Addison Russell returned to the club Wednesday and was greeted with a chorus of boos and a smattering of applause after serving a 40-game suspension for domestic abuse.

He went 0 for 3 at the plate.

The Filipino American ballplayer was suspended 40 games in September for violating the league's domestic abuse policy after an investigation into allegations of emotional, verbal and physical abuse made by his ex-wife, Melisa Reidy.

Russell, 25, was suspended 40 games in September for violating the league's domestic abuse policy after an investigation into allegations of emotional, verbal and physical abuse made by his ex-wife, Melisa Reidy, who is also Filipina American.

Before the allegations, Russell was a fan favorite for his timely hitting and sterling defense. However, he realizes the cheers have turned to jeers and that's something he will have to get used, to even from Cubs fans.

Besides league-mandated counseling, Russell also underwent therapy.

"I've just improved overall," Russell said to ESPN before he took the field. "Better relationships and communication with my teammates and family and friends. Just overall, I feel like I'm a better person," he said.

The Cubs have repeatedly said they want to be part of the solution as it concerns Russell and the "plague" of domestic abuse in society.

Russell's $3.4 million contract with the Cubs that he signed in December set conditions on the second baseman that includes following all league- and team-mandated guidelines for rehabilitation.

Russell's former wife's abuse allegations against Russell that she detailed in her social media pages are not unique among Asian Americans.

• 21 – 55% of Asian women in the U.S. report experiencing intimate physical and/or sexual violence during their lifetime, based on a compilation of disagregated samples of Asian ethnicities in local communities.

• 18% of Asian or Pacific Islander women reported experiencing rape, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner in their lifetime in a national survey, as compared to 48% of American Indians or Alaska Native women, 45% of Black women, 34% of Hispanic women, and 37% of White women.

Russell acknowledges the difficulties of his therapy but just getting back to the Cubs is a small step. 

"Hearing from my family and friends and also teammates that I've improved is a lot of assurance for me. And just continuing my therapy, as well. I know I'm making great strides. It's a long road ahead. There is no finish line, but I'm committed to this," Russell said.

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Addison Russell suspended 40 games for domestic abuse

After he serves his 40-game suspension, Addison Russell's future with the Cubs is uncertain

WEDNESDAY MORNING, Major League Baseball announced that Chicago Cubs shortstop Addison Russell has accepted a 40-game suspension without pay for violating MLB's Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Policy.

Russell's suspension is retroactive to Sept. 21. Russell has agreed not to appeal the discipline.

Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred issued the following statement regarding the suspension

"My office has completed its investigation into the allegations that Addison Russell violated Major League Baseball's Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Policy. Having reviewed all of the available evidence, I have concluded that Mr. Russell violated the Policy and should be subject to discipline in the form of an unpaid suspension that will cover 40 games."

On Sept. 19, Russell's ex-wife, Melisa Reidy-Russell, a Filipina American, detailed the alleged domestic abuse in a long post on her personal blog where she wrote: 

"The first time I was physically mistreated by my spouse, I was in shock. I couldn't wrap my head around what just happened ... Why did he get so angry? What did I do for him to want to put his hands on me?" the author wrote. "Of course I forgave him and assumed it would never happen again. I just thought he had let his emotions get the best of him, he loves me and he's sorry.

SCREEN CAPTURE / WGN-TV

Melisa Reidy Russell .was interviewed on television Wednesday.

Reidy Russell continued:

"After he would calm down from his angry spells, I’d always get the most sincere apologies, making me believe how sorry he was & he’s working on bettering himself. One of his favorite excuses was that he was “young” & he’s still learning how to live right, he basically raised himself, he didn’t have nurturing parents like I did & he didn’t know how to love the way I did. But, somehow he could ALWAYS find a way to make me feel like it happened because of me, or because I wasn’t listening to him. It was ALWAYS my fault – You don’t realize it, but its a sick mind game that you get sucked into – All your source of happiness somehow is controlled by that one person, depending on how they decide to treat you on a daily basis. Feeling the need of affirmation from him became the main source of how I felt happiness. Always trying to please him to show him I was good enough, strong enough, worthy enough… it consumed me & before I realized it, I was so far gone from the person I used to be."

Through his attorney, Filipino American ballplayer Russell released a statement Wednesday afternoon saying: “After gaining a full understanding of the situation I have concluded it’s in the best interest of my family to accept MLB’s proposed resolution of this matter. I wish my ex-wife well and hope we can live in peace for the benefit of our child.”

After the suspension, it is uncertain whether or not the All-Star shortstop will return to the Cubs, which ended its season when it lost its one-game wild card playoff with the Colorado Rockies, Tuesday.

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The Cubs' Addison Russel might be ineligible for the post-season playoffs.

Addison Russell's baseball season may be over.

THE ALL-STAR shortstop for the Chicago Cubs, Addison Russell, might not be allowed to play in the post-season, which ends Sunday (Sept. 30).

The Filipino American baseball player was placed on leave last week by Major League Baseball following allegations that he was physically and verbally abusive during his marriage.

The Athletic reports that the MLB has “additional credible information” to support allegations by ex-wife Melisa Reidy-Russell that she endured physical and emotional abuse at the hands of her husband during their marriage, which lasted less than two years.
Russell says the allegations were completely false and that he expects any “full and fair” investigation to exonerate him.

The odds of Russell returning to the Cubs in time for the MLB playoffs appear slim, as every previous case of a player going on administrative leave resulted in a suspension without appeal.

The most notable recent case was then-Blue Jays close Roberto Osuna, who eventually received a 75-game suspension for a breach of the league’s domestic violence policy, reports Yahoo.

According to MLB's domestic violence policy, to punish a player does not require the “beyond a reasonable doubt” burden of proof seen in criminal courts, where domestic violence cases are more difficult to nail down, even in today's #MeToo environment. Instead, MLB only needs enough evidence to conclude that the player likely committed the abuse, with the player having the right to appeal any suspension in front of an independent arbitrator.

The MLB placed Russell on a week of administrative leave on Sept. 21, which would have ended Friday (Sept. 28). During Russell's absence the Cubs have since been losing ground in the last week of regular season games before the playoffs.

The estranged couple began divorce proceedings in 2017 after two years of marriage, in which Reidy alleges she faced constant emotional abuse that turned physical multiple times. She also alleged Russell frequently cheated on her, something she alluded to in an Instagram post celebrating a new beginning.

Russell, 24, made the All-Star team in 2016 when the Chicago Cubs won the World Series for the first time since 1908. Russell's glove and bat were key reasons the team were able to break the 110 year World Series drought.

Russell’s status with the Cubs is still in question and it is doubtful he will return to the team if the Cub's plays an extended post-season.
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Addison Russell's wife alleges abuse; Cubs shortstop placed on leave

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Addison Russell and his ex-wife Melisa Reidy-Russell

CHICAGO CUBS shortstop Addison Russell was placed on administrative leave by Major League Baseball Friday (Sept. 21) after his ex-wife wrote about alleged abuse by the Filipino American ballplayer.

After their divorce was finalized Aug. 30, Russell's former wife Melisa Reidy-Russell, who is a Filipina American, wrote that she suffered physical and emotional abuse throughout their two-year marriage and that the mistreatment severely affected her prompting MLB to act.

"With the new details revealed ... by Ms. Russell, Mr. Russell has been placed on Administrative Leave in accordance with the Joint MLB-MLBPA Domestic Violence Policy," MLB said in a statement Friday. "We are hopeful that this new information will allow us to complete the investigation as promptly as possible."

Last year, allegations of abuse arose from a friend of Reidy-Russell triggered an MLB investigation that remains open.

"The first time I was physically mistreated by my spouse, I was in shock," Reidy-Russell wrote. "I couldn't wrap my head around what just happened ... Why did he get so angry? What did I do for him to want to put his hands on me? Of course I forgave him & assumed it would never happen again. I just thought he had let his emotions get the best of him, he loves me and he's sorry. I was deeply hurt that he could even be capable of this behavior towards me, I couldn't understand how the man I was so in love with, the FATHER of my child, the man I married just a few months ago could show such aggression towards me."

Reidy-Russell wrote that emotional and verbal abuse became an "everyday thing" in their relationship.

RELATED: Addison Russell, Filipino American ballplayer

"Being blamed for just about anything that went wrong, name calling, intimidating me with personal force, manipulating me to think I was the problem, destroying my personal things, threatening me to 'send' me & our son home to my parents as if I was privileged to be living in our home," she wrote. "Basically, I felt like I was nothing, a nobody & I was nothing without him, & I couldn't do anything without him."

“We take allegations of domestic violence seriously and support the League’s decision to place Addison Russell on administrative leave given new details revealed today,” the Cubs said in a statement Friday. “We will continue to cooperate with the League’s investigation so the appropriate action can be taken.”

Chicago Police spokesman Anthony Guglielmi told The Associated Press that the department has not launched a criminal investigation "at this point," but detectives will look at the allegations "further and have already reached out to the Cubs."

"Obviously, we take it very, very seriously," Cubs owner Tom Ricketts said to ESPN. "The place it's at right now, it's in the league's court to do the investigation."

Cubs president of baseball operations Theo Epstein said he again asked Russell on Friday if the allegations were true.

"We questioned him on it," Epstein said. "He reaffirmed his stance that he did not do what he is accused of having done."

"... It would have sent the wrong message to have Addison wearing a Chicago Cubs uniform this morning, so we fully support him being placed on administrative leave."

Reidy-Russell wrote that one incident of abuse occurred with their then-infant son present. She had moved back to her and Russell’s hometown of Pensacola, Fla., but said she returned to Chicago about a month later so the child could visit Russell.

“But, as I expected our visit was a nightmare, I swore to myself it would be the last time he’d lay his hands on me & it would be that last time I’d let my son be a witness to it,” she wrote.

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AAPI Athletes: Surprise! Addison Russell is back!

SCREEN CAPTURE

Addison Russell seems to recaptured his old form despite a nagging foot injury.

Addison Russell is back to his old self just in time for the Chicago Cubs' final push towards  the playoffs and possibly the chance to defend their World Series title.

Defying all expections, Russell's quick foot injury appears to cured. When he was put on the disabled list, there was a possibility that he would be out of the game until the end of the season, which ends later this month.

At his first plate appearance as a pinch hitter Saturday, he hit a 437-foot home run ensuring the Cubs win over the St. Louis Cardinals. The Wrigley Field fans gave him a standing ovation as he circled the bases. 

"It was a pretty special moment in my life," Russell said. "Walking up to the plate, I couldn't help but smile inside. I felt like it was pretty fun."

RELATED: Russell may be out for the season

The following day he started, he was able to start, something he hadn't done in since Aug. 2. And he continued to show that he's despite not playing for weeks, he's still can be a threat at the plate. His play at shortstop was sparkling and with second baseman Javier Baez, they form one of the best middle-infield combinations in the game.

“That was a lot of fun at the plate today,” he told the Chicago Sun-Times. “Mentally, I think I’m right there.”

Can the Cubs as a whole get back to that historic defensive level they played 2016 at?

"I think so," Russell said. "As we go down here toward the end of the season and then hopefully into the postseaosn, the team's just gonna get stronger, defensively and offensively."

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AAPI Athletes: Cub's Addison Russell may be out for the rest of the season

Addison Russell's defense will be missed at shortstop. Above, before he hits the ground, he pitches the ball to the second baseman to record a forced out.

WHAT A DIFFERENCE a year makes. A year ago, Chicago Cubs shortstop had just appeared in the All-Star game and his team was on the way to appearing in the MLB playoffs. 

That year the Cubs would go all the way and win the World Series, breaking a championship drought that began in 1908.

RELATED: A baseball player we can cheer for in the World Series

This year, the Filipino/American ballplayer has been hampered by injury, his battling average is down, his starting position is in danger and in his personal life he's mired in a messy divorce proceedings involving accusations of domestic abuse.

On Aug. 31, an MRI showed a re-aggravation of the plantar fasciitis that put Russell on the disabled list on Aug. 3. The Cubs are looking at a three-week absence for their star shortstop, then tag on rehab practices. Basically, he's out for the rest of the regular season that ends at the end of this month. There is also a possibility that Russell could miss out on the post season.

That would leave a defensive void at shortstop. As good as Javier Baez is at the plate, his defense can't match Russell's quick reaction to the hit ball.

Last year was the best year of the 23-year old Russell's life. This year, not so much. 
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Addison Russell's wife files for divorce

Addison Russell, trouble on and off the field.

IT HAS not been a very good year for Filipino/American Addison Russell, the Chicago Cub's All-Star shortstop. Although he hasn't performed well in the field and at the plate, it is his off-field troubles that may have a deeper impact.

After allegations of domestic abuse leaked to the public, Russell's wife, Melisa, has filed for divorce. She also will not meet with Major League Baseball to discuss the investigation into domestic abuse claims against Russell.

Beermann Pritikin Mirabelli Swerdlove LLP, the law firm representing Melisa Russell, announced the divorce proceedings in a statement released Wednesday (June 21).

RELATED: The Cubs' Filipino/American All-Star shortstop

MLB began its investigation earlier this month after Melisa Russell, in an Instagram post, accused her husband of cheating and implied that the couple was breaking up, according to ESPN. A comment related to the post from someone she identified as a close friend accused the player of physically abusing his wife.

Melisa Russell has not publicly commented on the abuse allegation, but her law firm did release this statement:

Mrs. Russell has declined the invitation from Major League Baseball to be interviewed relative to social media postings and allegations of domestic violence. It is her desire to pursue a resolution that is, first and foremost, in the best interest of the parties’ son, and which occurs in a swift, amicable and private fashion.

Even if Melisa Russell does not cooperate with MLB officials, Addison Russell could still face a punishment from the league. 

Major League Baseball and the players' union agreed to a new, more rigorous domestic violence policy in 2015. Yankees closer Aroldis Chapman was suspended 30 games under the policy last season. Mets closer Jeurys Familia, infielder Jose Reyes and Braves outfielder Hector Olivera have also received lengthy suspensions under the policy.

MLB investigates allegations of domestic abuse vs. Cub's Addison Russell

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Addison and Melisa Russell.

ADDISON RUSSELL, the Filipino/American All-Star shortstop has been accused of commiting domestic abuse.

In a statement issued by the Chicago Cubs, Russell issued a brief statement:

"Any allegation I have abused my wife is false and hurtful,'' said Russell, 23 years old and the father of two. "For the well-being of my family, I'll have no further comment."

During Wednesday night's Cubs game against the Marlins, in which Addison Russell did not play, Melisa Russell posted a photo of herself in a bathing suit in a body of water accompanied by the text, which read: "Being free to be able to make your own choices for your own happiness beats being cheated on, lied to, & disrespected any day. #herestonewbeginnings #onlygetsbetterfromhere"

"Hateful is cheating on your wife, mentally and physically abusing her,'' family friend Carli Reed wrote in response. "Melisa didn't want that out but I'll say it. He hit her. In front of (kids) Aiden and Mila.''

"Last night, we were made aware of a serious claim posted on social media about Addison Russell. We reached out to Major League Baseball and, following the protocol established by MLB, will fully cooperate with the Commissioner's Office as it gathers pertinent facts," the Cubs said in a statement Thursday (June 8).

Following protocol, Major League Baseball is conducting an investigation on the allegations.

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Adisson Russell celebrates World Series championship

On the team charter flight back to Chiccago from Cleveland, Cubs shortstop Addison Russell
and his wife Melisa were able to hold the World Series Championship Trophy.

IT'S WHAT every baseball player dreams about - winning the Worlds Series.

Since the Chicago Cubs beat the Cleveland Indians for the World Series title, shortstop Addison Russell has bee all over the place celebrating the victory.

From the champaign in the locker room right after the game to the victory parade in Chicago where 5 million people helped celebrate the historic accomplishment. It had been 106 years since the Cubs won baseball's premiere title.

What could possibly top all that?

The Disney Parade at Disneyworld, that's what!

The Filipino/American ballplayer joined his teammates, series MVP Ben Zobrist and second baseman Javier Baez Saturday (Oct. 5) in the Disney parade down Main Street USA where they hob-nobbed with Cinderella and Mickey Mouse.

Russell was voted to the National League All-Star team in July and no longer is considered just one of the many talented Cubs prospects. He has evolved into a star, holding the world in the palm of his hand."I know my family is happy with my success, and without my family I wouldn't be where I'm at today, without my wife, Melisa doing what she does. It's just one big contributing factor."

"I'm enjoying the process now, and I'm young and I'm still learning. Just can't wait to see where I'm going to be at in five years."

Addison Russell, in front seat, waves to the fans at Disneyworld in Orlando,  Florida.

World Series: Addison Russell drives in six runs

Chicago Cubs shortstop Addison Russell hits his Grand Slam

ADDISON RUSSELL had quite a night in Game 6 of the 2016 World Series. He drove in six runs -- including a Grand Slam -- to help beat the Cleveland Indians 9-3 to force a Game 7.

The six RBIs put Russell into some elite company. Only three other players ever drove in six-runs in a World Series game: Bobby Richardson (1960 Yankees), Hideki Matsui (2009 Yankees) and Albert Pujols (2011).

Besides being the only Asian/American player to hit a Grand Slam in a World Series game, Russell also garnered a few other records: 

He's the first Filipino/American to hit a grand slam in a World Series or in any post-season baseball game; the first player to have that many RBIs in the first three innings of a game; at 22-years of age, he's also the youngest hitter with six RBIs in any postseason game; Russell is the second-youngest batter to hit one in the World Series, bettered only by 21-year-old Mickey Mantle for the 1953 Yankees against the Dodgers.

RELATED: The Cub's Filipino/American All-Star shortstop

"That's pretty cool," Russell said in learning of his Game 6 accomplishments. He wasn't satisfied, though. "Tomorrow there is obviously and opportunity to break that record."

Up to this game, the post-season hasn't been kind to Russell. But for someone so young, he is mature beyond his years. 

"The key to that at-bat was to not swing at the first two pitches," said Manager Joe Maddon. "That's what we've been talking about the whole time. I mean, if you get over-eager right there, you're not going to put that sinker in play, it's a ground ball to third base, inning over, none of this happens."

Game 7, which will decide the Best Team in Baseball for 2016, will be played Wednesday (Oct. 2) in Cleveland.

“It’s just no panic,” Russell said in the locker room after the game. “It’s a lifestyle. We’re here to have some fun. We’re here to win some ballgames. We’re going to pick some teammates up. That’s just our game. That’s how we’ve played all year.”

Addison Russell whoops it up as he runs the bases after hitting a Grand Slam.

Addison Russell - a baseball star we can cheer for in the World Series

Instagram

Addison Russel kisses his wife, who is also Filipno/American after the Cubs clinched the National League title.

AFTER 71 YEARS of frustration, the Chicago Cubs are in the World Series and  due - in no small measure - to the play of sophomore shortstop Addison Russell. 

The Cubs won the National League title Friday (Oct. 21) by beating the L.A. Dodgers, four games to two in a best of seven series.

If you're not a fan of cross-town rival White Sox, and you don't have any skin in the game, Filipino/American Addison is a good reason to cheer on the underdog Cubs, (to mix metaphors) the Bad News Bears of Major League Baseball. The first game of the World Series between the Cubs and the American League champions, the Cleveland Indians startsTuesday.

RELATED: The Cubs' Filipino/American All-Star shortstop

Since the still-undiagnosed decline of two-time Cy Young-winner Tim Lincecum - one of my favorite players - Addison may be the antidote to that void. He's an All-Star calibre shortstop and he's just coming around as becoming an offensive threat. 

More importantly, at an age (22) when all the adulation can easily turn one arrogant and boastful, he remains humble and proud of his Asian/American heritage.

The Cubs' Filipino American All-Star shortstop

Chicago Cub's shortstop Addison Russell and his wife Melisa enjoy raising their young family.

ADDISON RUSSELL has emerged as one of the best shortstops in baseball, making the National League All-Star team this year. He did all this and he is just 22, when most ball players are just getting used to major league play.

Last night, he didn't have a great night at the plate, but neither did any of his teammates mustering only 3 hits against the Giants' pitcher Johnny Cueto. But one of those hits was home  run, enough to beat San Francisco, 1-0 in the first game of the National League Divisional playoffs.

Russell, who is half Filipino and half black, grew up in Pensacola, Fla., As the oldest of four siblings, he spent a lot of time helping raise his younger siblings, and admitted in 2014 in a Tribune interview that he didn't even watch much Major League Baseball. 

RELATED: The Cubs in the World Series!

"I was just busy trying to be a kid," said Russell, whose mother is Filipina. "I played a lot of baseball and football, and babysat my (siblings) when I wasn't playing sports. That's where the time went."

He was good enough to be drafted out of high school by the Oakland A's in 2012 . Right away, he showed his potential. Nevertheless, he was traded to the Cubs for a couple of pitchers because the A's needed to strengthen their pitching staff in their run towards the playoffs.

RELATED:

•  2017 was not so kind for Russell
• Russell on the comeback trail 

"With my mom and dad being so young, and having to go through a lot of struggles and overcoming a lot of struggles together, I think that's what has driven me to this point," he said. "They were just trying to live their lives, and not for themselves but for their kids. They were a loving family."

Instagram

Melissa and Addison Russell are popular
with Chicago fans.

It looks like his parents are his role models the way he dotes on Melisa, his wife, and children. His wife is also a Filipina/American and they're proud of their heritage.

He and Melisa have two young children at home, so Russell has his hands full on and off the field. But it has helped him become a better man and a better player, and he knows he has more to learn.

"Just coming into the league, making a splash last year, becoming a father of two and handling all this stuff has been a whirlwind," he said in an interview with the Chicago Tribune. "But I knew it was going to happen someday.

"I'm enjoying the process now, and I'm young and I'm still learning. Just can't wait to see where I'm going to be at in five years."

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