WORCESTER — With Worcester Red Sox players dressed in full uniform and seated in front of their lockers Thursday afternoon, Brian Abraham held court inside the home clubhouse at Polar Park.
Abraham, the Boston Red Sox’ senior director of player development, delivered a speech — for just over a minute — about one person in the room: Rich Gedman.
“To be in this game for an extended period of time is really, really special, and I think to be a part of the Red Sox organization for a really long time is even more special,” Abraham said. “One, to be a part of it as a player and, two, be a part of it as a staff member. And we’re really lucky to have a staff member who is not only a part of the Red Sox community but a huge part of the Worcester community for a really long time.
“I’ve been lucky enough to know this person since I was a little kid,” continued Abraham, who is from Worcester. “Who I looked up to and always saw as a pretty special person on and off the field, and with that, Rich Gedman, who I know loves these public acknowledgments, I want to congratulate him on 20 years of service with the Boston Red Sox.”
Abraham then handed Gedman, a native of Worcester and member of the Boston Red Sox and Worcester Red Sox Hall of Fame, a commemorative baseball bat and case that read: “Thank you for 20 years of dedicated service to the Boston Red Sox: Richard Gedman.”
WooSox players and personnel then erupted in cheers for Gedman, who proceeded to give a speech of his own.
“Fellas, when you start playing this game at this high (pointing toward waist height) and you grew up in Worcester, Massachusetts, you hope for an opportunity to play for the Red Sox,” said Gedman, who is a WooSox hitting advisor. “The Red Sox have been part of my life since I was 3 years old, so this means a lot to me, 20 years, it feels like more, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”
Gedman then thanked everyone and told them how much the honor meant to him before finishing with one final thought: “I wish you all well and I hope you get this opportunity to do the same.”
The first hitting coach in WooSox history, Gedman grew up around the corner from Polar Park on Lafayette Street.
Gedman began his professional baseball career in 1977 when he was signed by Boston as a non-drafted free agent out of St. Peter’s High. He played 13 major league seasons, with the Red Sox (1980-90), Astros (1990) and Cardinals (1991-92), batting .252 with 88 home runs in 1,033 games. Gedman was named an American League All-Star in 1985 and 1986, and on April 29, 1986, he caught Roger Clemens’ 20-strikeout performance against the Mariners.
Gedman ranks fourth in club history in games caught (858) behind only Jason Varitek, Carlton Fisk and Sammy White. In 2012, he was one of 40 players recognized on the All-Fenway Park Team.
The man known as “Geddy” was elected to the 2020 Boston Red Sox Hall of Fame — along with David Ortiz and Manny Ramirez.
“He is the epitome of the Boston Red Sox,” WooSox manager Chad Tracy told the T&G last season. “What he brings to the table, as far as what it means to be a Boston Red Sox, how important it is to put on that uniform, be a part of this community, whatever it is. That is who Rich Gedman is, born and raised here.
“He’s one of the finest human beings I’ve ever been around in my entire life.”
Following the impromptu presentation Thursday, Gedman walked out to the playing surface at Polar Park with his encased bat in hand and posed for a picture with WooSox personnel and staff. He then placed the bat on the ground, sat and smiled for the 2025 WooSox team photo.
So, Geddy, what do we think about your prized new bat?
“It’s got plenty of hits left in it,” Gedman said.
It was a special recognition for Rich Gedman and his 20 years of coaching for the Boston Red Sox organization.
“Cool moment,” WooSox manager Chad Tracy said. “Well deserved, just for him to be honored on longevity of service to the Red Sox.”
—Contact Tommy Cassell at tcassell@telegram.com. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @tommycassell44.