RIP - Doc Edwards

1960s' catcher Doc Edwards (who later managed the Cleveland Indians from 1987-89) passed away on August 20, 2018 at age 81.

Edwards' career included stops with the Indians, Athletics, and Yankees. Although mostly a backup catcher, Doc was the Athletics' primary starting catcher in 1963 and 1964, even though he played less than half of the games (due to having 4 catchers).

I first became aware of Edwards when he was the bullpen coach for the Phillies from 1970-72. Doc had been catching for the Phillies' AAA teams in '68 and '69, then was named to new manager Frank Lucchesi's staff in 1970.

In one early-season game that year, both Phillies' catchers (Tim McCarver and Mike Ryan) broke their hands in the SAME INNING. The team recalled their 2 AAA backstops the next day, and at some point activated Edwards, who appeared in 35 games, five seasons after his last big-league action.

In 1973 he began his 33-year managing career, which although was mostly in the minors, he did pilot the Indians from 1987-89.

Cleveland.com obituary

Washington Post obituary
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