Russ Gragg was a member of Arizona's first College World Series team in 1954, and he returned to the College World Series during his final season in 1955 under head coach Frank Sancet. In 1954, Russ lead the team in hitting (.387), runs batted in (43) and stolen bases (23). At the time of his induction, Russ had the UA's all-time batting record for triples in a game with three and ranks fifth on the UA's all-time career batting list with 127 bases on balls. He is tied for sixth all-time with 63 stolen bases and is ninth in single-season stolen bases with 30 for the 1955 season. Under the guidance of legendary Wildcat coach Frank Sancet; the first baseman was honored as a second-team ABCA All-American in 1954 and 1955. Russ also served as the team's captain in his final season in 1955. Following his graduation from Arizona, Russ played four and one half years of professional baseball in the Chicago Cubs organization.