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Headline: Baseball Mourns the Loss of Rich Gedman, Former Red Sox Catcher and Coach, at 65
Obituary:
The baseball community is deeply saddened by the passing of Rich Gedman, a distinguished former catcher and coach for the Boston Red Sox, who died at the age of 65. Gedman’s legacy is marked by his significant contributions both on and off the field, leaving an indelible mark on the sport and its fans.
Early Life and Entry into Professional Baseball
Born on September 26, 1959, in Worcester, Massachusetts, Richard Leo Gedman developed a passion for baseball at a young age. He attended Saint Peter-Marian High School, where he showcased his talents as a first baseman and pitcher. Despite going undrafted in the 1977 Major League Baseball Draft, Gedman’s determination led him to sign as a free agent with the Boston Red Sox. Transitioning to the catcher position, he honed his skills in the minor leagues, notably catching the first nine innings of the historic 33-inning game between the Pawtucket Red Sox and the Rochester Red Wings in 1981.
Major League Career Highlights
Gedman made his major league debut on September 7, 1980, pinch-hitting for the legendary Carl Yastrzemski. With the departure of Carlton Fisk in 1981, Gedman seized the opportunity to become the Red Sox’s primary catcher. His breakout season came in 1985 when he achieved career highs with a .295 batting average and 80 RBIs, earning him his first All-Star selection. He repeated this honor in 1986, a year that also saw him catch Roger Clemens’ record-setting 20-strikeout game on April 29. Gedman’s 20 putouts during that game set an American League record for putouts by a catcher.
In the same year, Gedman played a pivotal role in the Red Sox’s postseason run. In Game 5 of the American League Championship Series against the California Angels, he reached base in all five of his at-bats, including a two-run homer and a crucial hit-by-pitch that set the stage for Dave Henderson’s dramatic home run. Despite the team’s heartbreaking loss in the 1986 World Series, Gedman’s contributions were instrumental in their journey to the Fall Classic.
Challenges and Later Playing Career
The late 1980s brought challenges for Gedman. In 1987, he was among ten free agents who missed a contract deadline, leading to a period of free agency that became central to the MLB Players Association’s anti-collusion lawsuit against team owners. Injuries and contractual disputes affected his performance, and by 1990, he transitioned to backup roles with the Houston Astros and later the St. Louis Cardinals. Gedman retired from playing in 1994, concluding a 13-year major league career with a .252 batting average, 88 home runs, and 382 RBIs over 1,033 games.
Coaching and Mentorship
After retiring as a player, Gedman remained deeply connected to baseball through coaching. He began with the North Shore Spirit in 2002 and later managed the Worcester Tornadoes, leading them to a Can-Am League championship in their inaugural season in 2005. In 2011, Gedman returned to the Red Sox organization as a hitting coach for the Lowell Spinners. He subsequently served as a hitting coach for the Salem Red Sox, Portland Sea Dogs, and the Triple-A Pawtucket Red Sox, continuing in this role when the team relocated to Worcester in 2021. In January 2025, shortly before his passing, Gedman was appointed as a player development hitting adviser for the Red Sox, underscoring his enduring commitment to nurturing young talent.
Personal Life and Legacy
Beyond the diamond, Gedman was a family man. He met his wife, Sherry Aselton, in 1977, and they married in 1982. Together, they raised two sons, Michael and Matthew, and a daughter, Marissa, all of whom pursued athletic endeavors. Gedman also dedicated time to his community, conducting catching clinics in central Massachusetts and inspiring countless young athletes.
Rich Gedman’s legacy is one of talent, perseverance, and dedication. His contributions to baseball, both as a formidable player and as a mentor to aspiring athletes, have left an indelible mark on the sport. He will be remembered not only for his on-field achievements but also for his unwavering commitment to the game and his community.
The Boston Red Sox and the broader baseball community extend their deepest condolences to the Gedman family during this time of loss.