Eric Wedge's journey in professional baseball began when he was drafted by the Boston Red Sox in the third round of the 1989 MLB Draft. A catcher by trade, Wedge's playing career in the major leagues was relatively brief. He made his MLB debut with the Red Sox in 1991, appearing in a handful of games over two seasons. His time as a player in the majors was limited, and he spent much of his career in the minor leagues, where he played for various teams within the Red Sox organization and later the Colorado Rockies organization.
After retiring as a player, Wedge transitioned into coaching and management, where he found a more enduring role in the baseball world. He began his managerial career in the minor leagues, working his way up through the Cleveland Indians' farm system. His leadership skills and understanding of the game were recognized, and he was appointed as the manager of the Cleveland Indians in 2003.
Wedge's tenure with the Indians was marked by both challenges and achievements. Under his guidance, the team saw a resurgence, culminating in a memorable 2007 season. That year, the Indians won the American League Central Division and advanced to the American League Championship Series, where they were narrowly defeated by the Boston Red Sox. For his efforts, Wedge was named the American League Manager of the Year in 2007.
Despite the success of the 2007 season, the following years were less fruitful for the Indians, and Wedge was released from his managerial duties in 2009. However, his career in baseball was far from over. In 2010, he was hired as the manager of the Seattle Mariners, a position he held until 2013. During his time with the Mariners, Wedge worked to develop a young team and instill a competitive spirit, although the team did not achieve significant success in terms of playoff appearances.
Throughout his managerial career, Wedge was known for his straightforward approach and ability to connect with players. His experiences as a former player, albeit brief at the major league level, provided him with insights into the challenges faced by athletes, which he used to guide and mentor his teams.
⚾