IL1 Columbus Clippers

A Columbus Hometown Hero

Published on May 1, 2005 under International League (IL1)
Columbus Clippers News Release


A thirty-something fan e-mailed me saying that he grew up thinking that Johnny Bench was the only catcher in Reds' history. (Bench will be in Columbus for pregame ceremonies, Tuesday about 6:45PM.) Actually, the man Bench replaced behind the plate, in Cincinnati, was also an All-Star catcher named Johnny.

Johnny Edwards was born and raised in Columbus. After graduating from The Ohio State University with a degree in Ceramic Engineering, the big catcher signed with the Reds in 1959. Two years later, Cincinnati found themselves in the middle of a pennant race and rushed Edwards to the majors. He guided the Redlegs to the pennant and hit .361 against the mighty '61 Yankees in the World Series. He won the Golden Glove Award in 1963 & 64 and was named to the National League All Star team in 1963, 1964 and 1965.

After Bench arrived in late 1967, the Reds traded Edwards to the Cardinals. Johnny shared the catching duties with another all-star, Tim McCarver, in St. Louis in '68; leading them to the National League pennant.

That fall, the Columbus native was traded to Houston. His first season with the Astros, Johnny set a major league record for total chances (1,221) by a catcher. He led the National League in fielding percentage for three straight seasons (1969-71) and assists twice. When Edwards retired five years latter, the 6'4", 220 lb. receiver held the NL record for total chances by a catcher. (Later broken by Bench.)

Edwards was a gifted catcher, who had the talent for bring the best out of his pitchers. Despite playing at a very high level, he remained in Bench's shadow the rest of his career.

But the west side native was use to the shade. In high school, Edwards was not even considered the best catcher in Columbus. That honor went to an Upper Arlington catcher by the name of Jack Nicklaus! For John, it was just par for the course.

Talk to you soon,

Joe Santry

Historian

The Columbus Clippers

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International League Stories from May 1, 2005


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