The former Red Sox All-Star catcher returned to the game after a 10-year absence to serve as a hitting coach.
LYNN, Mass. – The first pitch of the game between the North Shore Spirit and the Brockton Rox is a little over four hours away, but the familiar crack of the bat rings out at Fraser Field.
Seated behind a screen a few feet away from home plate, Rich Gedman tosses the ball in underhand and Juri Sanchez takes his hacks.
Every once in a while, Gedman stops to give the veteran infielder some advice.
The routine continues until both are satisfied with the adjustments being made.
The pair then head for the North Shore clubhouse, where the majority of players have been resting after a long overnight bus ride.
“Those are the guys I’m here for,” Gedman said in reference to Sanchez’s work ethic. “I work with anybody who wants to work, but my heart is with the guys who work every day.”
After a 10-year absence, the former Red Sox catcher is back is baseball as the hitting coach for the Spirit of the independent Northeast League.
Gedman, the Sporting News’ Rookie of the Year in 1982 and a two-time all-star, retired after playing for the New York Yankees Triple-A affiliate, the Columbus Clippers, in 1994.
After spending most of his time operating clinics in his hometown of Worcester, Mass., and the suburban Boston town of Newton, Gedman’s phone rang last fall.
The call was from Al Melanson, a part owner of the Spirit. He wanted to talk to Gedman about the hitting coach position.
“I had never been on a job interview before,” said Gedman.
After meeting with the ownership group and seeing the plans they had for the team and Fraser Field, Gedman decided it was time to get back in the game.
“I missed being around the ballpark and around the guys,” said Gedman.
One of the selling points of the job was the proximity of the North Shore franchise to his family. Gedman retired partly because he wanted to be close to home.
“I was 33 years old and had three kids,” Gedman explained. “I didn’t want to be married to the game.”
The family issue still creeps up, especially with the Spirit’s condensed schedule and long road trips, which includes jaunts to Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Maine and Quebec.
“It’s very difficult from a family standpoint,” said Gedman.
On the field, Gedman said the product has its upsides and downsides.
“There are a lot of talented kids,” said Gedman. “But you’re not going to break bad habits right away, so you have to kind of plant the seed. There are times when (the level of play) is better than I expected and there are times where it’s not so good.”
Gedman entertained thoughts of getting into coaching with the Red Sox, but with a time commitment of only four to five months, he feels he’s found a good fit with the Spirit.
“If I had to pick an ideal situation, this is it for me right now.” said Gedman. “I’m grateful for the opportunity.”
bfoley@sunjournal.com
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