Imagine a baseball player whose career began with such a bang that it earned him a place in the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, yet his journey was filled with twists and turns that kept him from reaching the heights many predicted. But here's where it gets controversial... Was Gary Redus a player who never quite lived up to his potential, or was he a versatile athlete who adapted to every challenge thrown his way? Let’s dive into the story of a man whose career was as unpredictable as it was remarkable.
Gary Redus, born on November 1, 1956, in Tanner, Alabama, didn’t start playing organized baseball until he was 12. Yet, he quickly became a star, excelling not just in baseball but also in football and basketball at Tanner High School. And this is the part most people miss... Despite his late start, Redus’ natural talent was undeniable, and he went on to play college baseball at Calhoun Community College and Athens College (now Athens State University).
Drafted by the Boston Red Sox in 1977, Redus didn’t sign, opting to return to college. But when the Cincinnati Reds drafted him in 1978, his career took off. Sent to the Billings Mustangs of the Pioneer League, Redus had one of the most spectacular seasons in minor league history. He hit a staggering .462 with 19 doubles, six triples, 17 home runs, and 42 stolen bases in just 68 games. His 1.346 OPS was otherworldly, and he was awarded the Louisville Slugger Award for the highest minor league batting average of 1978.
But here’s the controversial part... Despite his dominance in the minors, Redus struggled to replicate that success in the majors. His 13-year MLB career was filled with highlights, but he never matched the numbers he put up in Billings. Why? Some say it was the pressure of the big leagues, while others argue it was the constant position changes that hindered his development. Redus himself once said, ‘I just want to hit .300, steal 50 (or) 60 bases. I hope I’ll end up moving up.’
Redus’ career was a rollercoaster. He started strong with the Reds, earning a fourth-place finish in the 1983 National League Rookie of the Year voting. But his power numbers dropped when he was asked to focus on contact hitting. Traded to the Phillies, White Sox, and eventually the Pirates, Redus found himself in a bench role more often than not. Yet, he remained a valuable player, contributing to the Pirates’ NL East titles in 1990, 1991, and 1992.
Here’s where it gets even more intriguing... Redus’ comments about Pete Rose in 1985, suggesting Rose should take himself out of the lineup, sparked controversy. ‘All he can do is hit singles,’ Redus said. ‘We’d have more speed and more power without him.’ These comments, made with the belief he’d be traded, came true when the Reds sent him to the Phillies.
Redus retired in 1994 with 886 hits, 90 home runs, and 322 stolen bases. While he never became a Hall of Famer, he walked away satisfied. ‘I’m not in the game to be a Hall of Famer or anything,’ he once said. ‘Baseball has given me a way to provide for my family with some things I normally wouldn’t be able to provide.’
So, was Gary Redus a player who fell short of his potential, or a versatile athlete who made the most of his career? That’s the question we leave to you... What do you think? Was Redus a victim of circumstance, or did he simply not have what it took to be a superstar? Let us know in the comments!
