Boston Red Sox: Ranking top 10 players from the 1980s

Rich Gedman

Now we’re leaving behind all-time greats and getting into the second tier players, guys who were very good for the Red Sox during the decade but nowhere near Hall of Fame worthy. First up is the main Red Sox catcher of the 1980s, Rich Gedman. His career spanned the years 1980 to 1992 and he spent the first decade, from 1980 to 1990, with the Red Sox.

Gedman made his debut as a twenty year old in 1980 and following Carlton Fisk‘s departure after the season, became the Red Sox regular catcher in 1981. He struggled a bit until 1983 when he figured things out at the plate. He enjoyed his best seasons between 1984 and 1986. In those seasons he hit 24, 18, and 16 home runs, respectively while batting .269, .295, and .258, again respectively.

From there he tailed off at the plate but still finished the decade hitting .246 with 83 home runs and 356 RBI. Gedman also made two All Star teams in 1985 and 1986 while catching Roger Clemens’ first twenty-strikeout game, also in 1986. After his playing career ended, Gedman spent time coaching in the Red Sox minor league system and is currently the hitting coach for the AAA Pawtucket Red Sox

He may not have been one of the best catchers in the American League during the 1980s, but Rich Gedman was a solid and reliable player who helped the Red Sox a great deal during the decade.