|
|
| Title: |
Manager |
| Bio: |
After completing his unprecedented 51st year in professional baseball, Howard Rodney “Doc” Edwards decided to re-join the Colts. Doc, who turned 72 in December, is now in his 52nd year of pro ball, and his third season managing the Colts.
The Cleveland Indians signed Edwards, who earned the nickname “Doc” from being a former Navy Medic, as an amateur free agent in 1958. The Red Jacket, West Virginia native made his Major League debut on April 21, 1962 in Yankee Stadium. In his first plate appearance, he drew a walk against the legendary Whitey Ford, who he would play with later on in his career. Doc, who went on to hit .273 in his rookie year, also played for the Kansas City Athletics, New York Yankees, and the Philadelphia Phillies. He was part of a couple of prominent trades featuring some well-known names, such as when he was sent to the A’s in 1963 for catcher Joe Azcue and Dick Howser (who would later become a Major League manager himself with the Kansas City Royals). In 1965, Doc was traded to the Yankees for Johnny Blanchard and Roland Sheldon and while in New York, he played with such Yankee greats as Mickey Mantle, Whitey Ford, Elston Howard, Tony Kubek, and Jim Bouton amongst others. Edwards played his final game while with the Philadelphia Phillies on August 23, 1970 and finished his last season hitting .269, almost identical to his rookie year average. Doc, primarily a catcher, was also solid defensively, posting a career fielding percentage of .985.
Although it may have been the end of his playing career, his coaching and managerial careers were just beginning. Doc went on to coach for the Indians and Phillies, and managed in the Minor Leagues for various organizations as well, including the Yanks, Cubs, Expos, and Orioles. In fact, as manager of the Rochester Redwings in 1981, he took part in the longest game in professional baseball history, a 33-inning marathon against Pawtucket. Just a few years after that, the Indians fired Pat Corales, and Doc received his shot as a Major League manager with the team he started his baseball career with. He led Cleveland from 1987-1989, managing in 380 games and finishing with a record of 173-207 (.455).
After serving as a bench coach with the New York Mets in the early 1990’s, Doc became a Major League expansion scout for the Arizona Diamondbacks. He was instrumental in their 1997 expansion draft, as the Diamondbacks won the World Series in only their fourth season of existence in 2001.
During his career, Doc has managed the likes of Hall of Famers Phil Niekro and Cal Ripken Jr., Joe Carter, and current Red Sox manager Terry Francona.
|
 |
|
|
