On Nov. 1 California State University, Stanislaus (Stan State) alumnus and Kansas City Royals first base coach, Russell Jay “Rusty” Kuntz, celebrated along with his Major League Baseball (MLB) team as they won the 2015 World Series, defeating the New York Mets.
Prior to becoming a Warrior, Kuntz attended Cuesta College in San Luis Obispo. He proved himself to be an impressive baseball player at Stan State, becoming  one of the team’s co-captains for two consecutive years in 1976 and 1977.
During his time as co-captain, the Warrior’s baseball team made it to the National Collegiate Association Division III National Championships. Kuntz was named Stanislaus State Athlete of the Year, team most valuable player in 1976, sportsman of Stanislaus Athlete of the Year and was inducted to the Warrior Athletics Hall of Fame in 2000. 
Kenneth Leonesio, Stan State’s Head Baseball coach, uses the notable player to drive his own Stanislaus players to play at their very best. “It was great to see Rusty Kuntz in the World Series the past two years,” Leonesio said.
“Our players are aware he is a Stanislaus alumnus and it is motivating knowing that you can come from a small school and still be successful at the highest level if you work hard at your craft.”
To follow his dreams of having a career in professional baseball, Kuntz left college for a promising road to the MLB. In 1977, the outfielder was drafted by the Chicago White Sox in the eleventh round of the MLB draft. Between 1979 and 1985, he played for the Chicago White Sox, Minnesota Twins and Detroit Tigers.
After his final World Series in 1984, Kuntz was demoted to the minor leagues as his athletic strengths started to dwindle and couldn’t keep form. Shortly after, Kuntz disappeared from professional baseball overall.
After ending his playing career, Kuntz kept involved in the MLB, working with numerous baseball teams including the Houston Astros, Seattle Mariners, Florida Marlins, Atlanta Braves, Pittsburgh Pirates and most recently the Kansas City Royals where he has been since 2012.
Keep up with your fellow Warrior next season as Kuntz and the Royals will be defending their World Series title. 
(article removed and later reposted after adding attached photos)