Rich Gedman: 1980-1990
The Pawtucket Red Sox’ current hitting coach, Gedman achieved fame among Red Sox fans before he ever achieved success at the big league level. On April 18th, 1981 Gedman caught the first nine innings of a 33 inning game between the PawSox and Rochester Red Wings, the longest professional baseball game in history.
Signed as an undrafted free agent in 1977, Gedman would climb the ranks of the Red Sox’ minor league system before attaining the starting role in 1984. A two-time American League all-star, he hit .259/.310/.412 over his career in Boston to go with 83 home runs and 356 RBI. In 1985, Gedman set career highs in RBI (80), batting average (.295) and OPS (.846). He also became the only catcher in Red Sox history to hit for the cycle during that season.
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Gedman made just one postseason with the Red Sox, though he left his mark on franchise history during it. Catching in the bottom of the tenth during Game 6 of the 1986 World Series against the New York Mets, with two outs, the Sox up by one run and a runner on third, reliever Bob Stanley threw a pitch that Gedman couldn’t handle. The tying run would set the table for the Buckner error, which we’re all far too familiar with.
Nevertheless, Gedman ranks among the best catchers in team history. He stands third all-time in home runs (83) and runners caught stealing (288). He’s also fourth among Red Sox catchers in runs (315) and RBI (356).