Rich Gedman Becomes Worcester Pro Baseball\'s First Manager
Published on February 15, 2005 under Canadian American League (Can-Am)
Worcester Tornadoes News Release
Worcester, MA (February 15, 2005) â When Worcester's first professional baseball team in 71 years was introduced at a City Hall press conference just four weeks ago, the team promised a first-class operation that would harness the area's emotional ties to baseball with a distinctive Worcester flavor.
The organization went a long way towards achieving that goal today when Worcester Professional Baseball introduced Rich Gedman as the team's first manager.
"I'm excited and honored to be involved with the return of pro baseball to Worcester after all these years," said Gedman. "I look forward to the challenges ahead and putting a quality team on the field."
"This is a banner day for the baseball fans of Worcester and Central Massachusetts," said CEO and President Alan Stone. "Rich Gedman epitomized excellence and professionalism during his playing career with the Boston Red Sox, traits Worcester Professional Baseball will strive to embody as a team and an organization.
"We are thrilled that Rich will make his professional homecoming as a key member of the Worcester Pro Baseball team, and we look forward to his contributions both on the field and in the Greater Worcester community."
Gedman, a Worcester native, is best known as an All-Star catcher with the Boston Red Sox from 1980 to 1990. He concluded his 13-year major league career with the Houston Astros and St. Louis Cardinals.
After graduating from St. Peter-Marian High School in 1977, Gedman signed with the Red Sox as a free agent. He quickly ascended through the Sox system, arriving in Boston in 1980 at the age of 20. The following year he hit .288 and was named the American League Rookie of the Year by The Sporting News.
Gedman enjoyed his most productive seasons from 1984 to 1986, when he hit a combined 58 home runs and drove in 217 runs. He earned his first All-Star nod in 1985 when he hit .295 and set career highs in games, doubles, triples, RBI and batting average. He followed that up with a second consecutive All-Star appearance in 1986.
In 1985, Gedman became the 16th player in Red Sox history, and just the sixth major league catcher since 1900, to hit for the cycle. He appeared in two Division Championship Series, batting a combined .357, as well as the 1986 World Series.
Following his playing career, Gedman remained involved both in baseball and the local community. He conducted clinics and camps and coached Little League and Babe Ruth teams. Nine years ago, he became a baseball coach at Belmont Hill High School. Gedman returned to the professional ranks, this time as a hitting coach, when he joined the staff of the North Shore Spirit, a rival of Worcester in the Can-Am League, in 2004.
Gedman, 45, and his wife, Sherry, have three children: Michael (17 years old), Matthew (16) and Marissa (12).
For more information or to order season tickets, fans can call Worcester Professional Baseball's office at (508) 792-2288 or visit www.worcesterprobaseball.com.
Canadian American League Stories from February 15, 2005
- Rich Gedman Becomes Worcester Pro Baseball's First Manager - Worcester Tornadoes
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