Red Sox Memories: What happened to these 1986 players?
By Rick McNair
The Red Sox just jettisoned Sandy Leon over the issue of his projected salary – a cost-cutting measure. Leon was that baseball specialist is known as a backup catcher that either has a great glove or a great bat but rarely the two combined. If they did, they would be regular.
Boston had a great catcher in 1986 in 26-year-old left-hand hitting Rich Gedman. Gedman started 124 games, hit .258, banged out 16 home runs, and contributed a 50 CS%. But who was his backup? Well, it pays to be the boss’s son or in the instance of Marc Sullivan the son of Haywood Sullivan. I’ll avoid the whole “Coup LeRoux” follies.
The Sullivan’s had something in common since both were essentially backup catchers with Pops hitting just .226 in 312 games – 60 of those with Boston spread over four seasons. Junior hit just a Leon like .186 in 137 games over five seasons – all with the Red Sox.
In 1986 Sullivan was true to form hitting .193. The right-hand hitting Sullivan did slam one home run that was a three-run shot that sealed a game against Seattle. A season highlight.
Throughout his years with the Red Sox Sullivan had to endure being on the team based on his father’s connections and not his admittedly limited talent. Sports radio was in its infancy and Sullivan certainly provided a ripe target for that outlet especially with his anemic offense.
I remember hearing one commentator discussing Sullivan’s pitching prowess – Sullivan had considered that possible option – that the only way he would succeed at pitching is if he pitched to himself.
Sullivan’s days in Boston ended with a trade to Houston where a sore elbow ended in his release. Then came time with the Phillies and Cleveland organizations before retiring and moving into scouting with the Rangers. Eventually, Sullivan left baseball in 1994 and entered the private sector and another challenge.
Sullivan is involved in real estate development as president of Sullivan-Florida Group, is active in fantasy camps, and has put the past animosity of his Boston years in his rearview mirror.