Catching up with: Russ Cleveland

Thursday, May 17, 2001 | 10:46 a.m.

RUSS CLEVELAND

High school: Chaparral ('98)

Where he is now: West Michigan Whitecaps (Class A)

Sport: Baseball

Currently: A 12th round selection by the Detroit Tigers in the 1998 amateur draft, Cleveland is currently in his fourth season in the minors. In 17 games for the Whitecaps, the 6-3, 205-pound catcher has batted .267 with five walks, two doubles, a homer and three RBIs. Cleveland spent the 2000 season with three different clubs, including a brief stint with double-A Jacksonville.

Looking back: A dangerous hitter and top-notch defensive backstop, Cleveland earned a reputation as one of Southern Nevada's most complete players during his high school career. A member of the Sun's all-state first team, he batted .521 with nine homers and 43 RBIs as a senior, helping the Cowboys into the 4A Southern Zone Tournament.

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