Where Are They Now: Russell Dixon

TROY, N.Y. -- Russell Dixon was a member of the 2007 Tri-City ValleyCats. Although, that ValleyCats squad finished 27-47, Dixon emerged as one of the top hitters on the team.

A native of Houston, Texas, Dixon attended Auburn where he posted two solid seasons from 2005-06. In 2005, Dixon hit .289 with 29 RBI in 53 games. Dixon followed up the next year with four home runs, 31 RBI while increasing his batting average to .313. The Astros rewarded Dixon's college success with a seventh round selection in the 2007 June Draft.

Dixon played in 60 games for the ValleyCats, proving versatile in his ability to play both the infield and outfield. Dixon swatted five home runs, drove in 40 runs and hit .256 for the ValleyCats in 2007. Dixon's bat heated up in the late innings, hitting .417 (10/24) from the sixth inning on.

The left-handed hitting Dixon also became a fan favorite among ValleyCats supporters. Dixon highlighted his fun-loving personality when he used one of the ValleyCats production cameras to film an episode of "Locker Raiders", a spoof on the MTV show "Room Raiders". Dixon examined his teammates' belongings in their lockers, proving commentary. "Locker Raiders" aired on the Joseph L. Bruno Stadium video board, providing entertainment for the entire crowd.

The Astros promoted Dixon to Lexington in 2008 where he hit .237 with three home runs and 20 doubles. Dixon also showcased his speed, swiping 15 bases.