Gary Redus – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Gary Redus put together a solid 13-year run in Major League Baseball before calling it quits in 1994. This speedy outfielder and first baseman bounced around five different teams: the Cincinnati Reds, Philadelphia Phillies, Chicago White Sox, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Texas Rangers. Redus wrapped up his big league career with a .252 batting average, 90 home runs, 352 RBIs, and 322 stolen bases—showing off a rare blend of power and speed.

Born in Tanner, Alabama on November 1, 1956, Redus stood 6’1″ and weighed about 180 pounds in his playing days. After retiring, he stuck close to the game. He coached baseball at Calhoun Community College back home, then worked as an outfield instructor for the Pittsburgh Pirates. Injuries slowed him down during his last two seasons with the Texas Rangers, but Redus kept contributing to baseball even after his playing days ended.

Early Life and Amateur Career

Gary Redus’s baseball story really started in Alabama, where his athletic talent was obvious from a young age. Those early years set the stage for what would become a successful 12-year MLB career.

Family Background and Upbringing

Redus was born on November 1, 1956, in Tanner, Alabama. He grew up in a supportive family that encouraged his sports interests. Tanner might be a small town, but it gave Redus plenty of chances to play and improve his baseball skills.

He got his first real taste of the game in local youth leagues, where coaches quickly noticed his speed and coordination. Those gifts would later become his calling card in the majors.

Growing up in northern Alabama, Redus learned the value of hard work, perseverance, and sportsmanship—values that stuck with him throughout his career. His family’s encouragement made it possible for him to chase his baseball dreams.

High School Years and Athletic Achievements

At Tanner High School, Redus stood out as a multi-sport athlete, but baseball became his main focus. His natural abilities made him a force on the diamond.

He put up strong numbers in high school and started to get noticed by scouts. Redus’s speed on the bases and emerging power at the plate made him a threat every time he stepped up.

He consistently ranked among the best hitters in his region, and his defense in the outfield caught the eye of college coaches and pro scouts alike.

By the time he finished high school, Redus was one of Alabama’s top baseball prospects. He brought together speed, hitting, and fielding—a complete package that had pro potential written all over it.

Time at Calhoun Community College

Redus went on to play for Calhoun Community College in Decatur, Alabama, where he kept getting better. Facing tougher competition, he raised his game and set several school records. Scouts took notice.

Though the Boston Red Sox drafted Redus, he decided to keep playing at Calhoun and let his skills mature. That choice paid off—his numbers improved and his draft stock climbed.

The coaches at Calhoun helped him sharpen his approach at the plate and fine-tune his baserunning. Those lessons would stick with him for years.

Minor League Journey

Gary Redus’s pro career started in the minors, where he wasted no time making a name for himself with his speed and bat. He moved up the ranks pretty fast, driven by raw talent and determination.

Pioneer League Breakthrough

Redus kicked off his pro journey in the Pioneer League with the Billings Mustangs in 1978. The Mustangs, a Cincinnati Reds affiliate, gave Redus the perfect start.

The Pioneer League’s short season and focus on developing young players fit Redus’s style. He adjusted to pro pitching quickly, showing off his bat speed and patience at the plate.

Redus’s speed on the bases was just as impressive as his hitting. Coaches loved his instincts—he could read pitchers and get great jumps, making him a constant threat to steal.

Billings Mustangs Standout Season

Redus’s 1978 season with the Billings Mustangs is still talked about. He hit an eye-popping .462 in 68 games, a record that stands in modern pro baseball.

But it wasn’t just about the average—Redus also racked up:

• 117 hits in 253 at-bats
• 42 stolen bases
• .559 on-base percentage
• .787 slugging percentage

He did more than fill up the stat sheet; Redus showed he had the rare mix of tools that big league teams crave. Managers praised his work ethic and baseball instincts.

Progression Through Minor League Baseball

After that monster year in Billings, Redus moved up the Reds’ system quickly. He kept putting up strong numbers—batting averages, stolen bases, you name it.

In 1979, he played in Tampa (Florida State League), where he kept using his speed to mess with pitchers. Redus’s knack for disrupting games made him a spark plug on offense.

By 1981, he’d reached Triple-A Indianapolis, just a step below the majors. He kept improving as an outfielder, learning to use his speed on defense too.

The Reds organization saw what they had in Redus and pushed him through the minors, even with other outfield prospects around. He proved his breakout season wasn’t just a fluke.

Historic Batting Feats

Gary Redus accomplished some wild things with the bat, especially early in his career. He set records that still stand and stayed productive during his 13 years in the majors.

Achieving a .462 Batting Average

Redus’s most jaw-dropping stat came in 1978 with the Billings Mustangs. He put up a .462 batting average, a record for a full professional season.

For context, even legends like Ted Williams (.406 in 1941) and Rogers Hornsby (.424 in 1924) never sniffed .462. Redus didn’t keep up that pace in the majors, but his .252 career average is nothing to sneeze at either.

Notable Streaks and Milestones

Over 13 years in MLB, Redus racked up 322 stolen bases. He also hit 90 home runs and drove in 352 runs. His best season probably came in 1987 with the White Sox—he hit .296, belted 11 homers, and stole 36 bases.

Redus never put together a DiMaggio-level hitting streak, but he was always tough to keep off base. His on-base percentage regularly topped his batting average thanks to a patient approach.

Comparison with Other Batting Legends

If you stack up Redus’s .462 minor league average against the all-time greats, it’s honestly hard to believe. Even George Brett, who chased .400 in 1980, never got close to that.

Redus’s big league numbers don’t match the likes of Williams or Brett, but he brought more to the table than just batting average. That power-speed combo and his ability to play both left field and first base made him a real asset—especially when stolen bases were a hot commodity.

Major League Baseball Career

Gary Redus played 12 seasons in the majors from 1982 to 1994, bouncing around teams but always bringing his speed and defensive flexibility.

Debut with the Cincinnati Reds

Redus broke in with the Cincinnati Reds in 1982 and made an impact right away, swiping 17 bases in just 69 games as a rookie.

He had his best season with Cincinnati in 1983, hitting .247 with 39 steals and 17 homers—a rare mix of pop and speed.

From 1982 to 1985, Redus stole 126 bases for the Reds, mostly as an outfielder. He became known for his speed and ability to cause havoc on the bases.

The Reds usually put Redus at the top of the order, hoping he’d get on base and rattle pitchers with his baserunning.

Roles with Pittsburgh Pirates

After stops in Philadelphia and Chicago, Redus landed with the Pittsburgh Pirates from 1988 to 1992. These years were some of his best.

He helped the Pirates win three straight NL East titles from 1990 to 1992, playing both first base and the outfield.

In 1989, Redus hit a career-high .271 for Pittsburgh. His ability to play all over the field gave the Pirates plenty of lineup options.

Even when he split time in a platoon, Redus kept producing. Younger players often looked to him for leadership and advice.

Contributions to Other MLB Teams

Redus spent 1986 with the Phillies, playing 151 games, stealing 36 bases, and batting .255. That year, he was a steady everyday player.

With the White Sox (1987-88), Redus kept running, stealing 46 bases in two seasons and filling in at multiple spots.

He closed out his MLB career with the Texas Rangers in 1993-94. His playing time dropped, but he still brought veteran presence and solid defense.

All told, Redus stole 322 bases and hit 90 home runs in 1,159 games. He adapted to whatever role teams needed, showing real baseball smarts and professionalism.

Playing Style and On-Field Contributions

Gary Redus built his 12-year MLB career on speed, defensive flexibility, and clutch hitting. He brought a unique skill set to every team he played for, whether he was in the outfield, at first base, or coming off the bench.

Baserunning Excellence

Redus stood out as one of the most prolific base stealers of his era, swiping 322 bases over his career. His speed on the bases constantly rattled opposing defenses. As a rookie with Cincinnati, he stole 39 bases and quickly earned a reputation as a threat every time he got on.

Redus didn’t just rely on raw speed—his base-stealing efficiency set him apart. He often kept his success rate above 75%, showing off not just his legs but his baseball smarts. Managers trusted him to take off in big moments, knowing he’d make it count.

He brought that same aggressive style to every aspect of baserunning. Redus always looked for an extra base on hits and sometimes forced errors with his hustle. Singles sometimes turned into doubles, and he’d score from first on deep balls to the outfield. Opponents never really got to relax when he was on the paths.

Defensive Skills and Versatility

Redus brought a ton of defensive versatility throughout his career. Sure, he mainly played left field and first base, but he could step in at other spots if needed. At 6’1″ and 180 pounds, he moved well and covered a lot of ground in the outfield.

Managers loved having that flexibility. Redus brought:

• Quick first-step reactions in the outfield
• A strong, accurate arm
• Dependable glove at first base
• The ability to adapt to different positions

Because of this, teams kept him around longer—he could start in the outfield, fill in at first, or come off the bench as a defensive replacement. That kind of roster flexibility is gold over a long MLB season.

Pinch-Hitter and Designated Hitter Roles

In the later years, Redus shifted into more specialized roles that played to his strengths and experience. As a pinch-hitter, he built a reputation for staying ready even when at-bats came sporadically.

His career OPS hovered around .750, which made him a solid option off the bench in tight spots. Redus worked counts and used his understanding of pitchers to get on base or move runners along.

When he played for American League teams like the White Sox and Rangers, he sometimes took on the designated hitter role. He managed to stay locked in even when he wasn’t playing defense, which isn’t easy.

Coaches especially valued his veteran presence. Redus often mentored younger players, sharing what he’d learned about preparation and handling pressure at the plate.

Career Highlights and Signature Achievements

Across his 13-year MLB run from 1982 to 1994, Gary Redus made a name for himself as a guy with both speed and some sneaky pop at the plate. He brought real value to all five major league teams he played for.

Noteworthy Home Runs and RBIs

Redus kicked off his big-league career with a bang, becoming the fastest player in history to reach 5 home runs and 15 stolen bases. That early mix of power and speed really set the tone for the rest of his time in the majors.

He never became a classic home run hitter, but he delivered clutch power when it mattered. His top power year came in 1983 with Cincinnati, when he knocked 17 homers while still being a terror on the bases.

Redus didn’t waste his hits, either. He often drove in runs at a solid rate, especially with the Pirates, where he became a key role player.

In 1989, Topps featured him in a subset celebrating players who had that rare power-speed combo—something baseball was starting to appreciate more.

Memorable Games and the Cycle

Redus never hit for the cycle in the majors, but he came close a few times, especially with the Reds and Pirates. His speed made triples a regular part of his game.

One of his most memorable games happened in 1990 with Pittsburgh. He went 4-for-4 and stole three bases against his old team, the Reds—a real showcase of everything he could do offensively.

Redus also stepped up under pressure. In the 1990 NLCS with the Pirates, he chipped in with crucial hits and stolen bases, proving his worth in the postseason.

He could change a game in more ways than one. Once, he stole home against the Cardinals in a tight contest, showing off his instincts and fearless baserunning.

Playing in All-Star and Anniversary Teams

Redus never got the call for an official All-Star team, but the Cincinnati Reds made sure to recognize his impact. Fans loved his blend of speed and unexpected power.

He earned a spot in the Limestone County Sports Hall of Fame, which honored him as one of the top athletes from Tanner, Alabama—a nod to both his MLB success and his hometown roots.

Over his 14-season career with five teams, Redus built a reputation for versatility. He played outfield and first base, giving every team something extra.

He didn’t win a Gold Glove, but people respected his defense, especially his range and accurate arm in the outfield.

Teammates, Rivals, and Influences

During his 12 seasons in the majors, Gary Redus built strong relationships with teammates and faced off against plenty of rivals who helped shape his approach to the game.

Collaboration with Notable Players

While with the Pittsburgh Pirates, Redus played alongside Barry Larkin and got to know Bobby Bonilla well. Their chemistry in the clubhouse played a big part in the Pirates’ early-‘90s success.

Redus often mentioned learning from veterans like Bill Mazeroski, whose defensive skills rubbed off on him. That kind of guidance helped him grow as a pro.

On the Reds, he teamed up with Dave Parker in the outfield. Their mix of speed and power made them a tough duo for any team to handle.

His stint with the White Sox let him work with hitting coach Walt Hriniak, who helped him tweak his approach at the plate. That partnership led to some of Redus’s most steady offensive years.

Icons and Comparisons in Baseball History

Scouts sometimes compared Redus’s speed and instincts to Miguel Dilone, another quick outfielder from the same era. Both guys used their speed to keep defenses on edge.

Redus looked up to Roberto Clemente, admiring not just his talent but his humanitarian work. That inspiration pushed Redus to get involved in his own community.

He didn’t hit for power like Cecil Fielder or Dick Allen, but Redus carved out a unique style—mixing speed with just enough pop to keep pitchers guessing.

His ability to play multiple positions reminded people of Gene Alley, another player known for his versatility. Redus’s adaptability made him a valuable piece on every team he joined during his 12-season career.

Later Career and Retirement in 1994

Gary Redus wrapped up his big-league career after 13 seasons, finishing with two years on the Texas Rangers. Injuries slowed him down at the end, and stepping away from the game closed the book on a long run for the versatile outfielder and first baseman.

Final Seasons and Transition

Redus spent his last professional seasons with the Texas Rangers after hitting free agency in 1992. His time with Texas proved tough—injuries cut into his playing time and limited what he could do. Still, at 6’1″ and 180 pounds, he kept his reputation for speed and flexibility.

Even as his role shrank, Redus brought veteran leadership to the clubhouse. He mostly played as a backup in the outfield and at first, using his experience to help the team however he could.

The 1994 MLB season got cut short by the players’ strike, which wound up being Redus’s last chapter as a player.

Retirement Announced

Redus officially retired at 37, making his final MLB appearance on July 23, 1994, with the Rangers. After dealing with injuries that kept him off the field more and more, he decided it was time.

Here’s what he racked up in the majors from 1982 to 1994:

• 1,159 games
• 3,513 at-bats
• 591 runs
• 886 hits
• 90 home runs
• 352 RBIs
• 322 stolen bases

Redus retired alongside a wave of other ‘80s stars who wrapped up their careers in the 1990s baseball era.

Post-Retirement Endeavors

After baseball, Redus stayed connected to the sport but found new interests, too. He headed back to Alabama, where he’d been a local star before the majors. Redus sometimes showed up at alumni events for the teams he played with.

Golf became his go-to hobby—like a lot of ex-athletes, he found it both competitive and a good way to stay social with other retired players.

Redus also enjoyed giving back, sharing his baseball experiences with young athletes. His journey from small-town Alabama to the big leagues gave him plenty of stories and advice to pass on. He’s made public appearances to talk about his career and the lessons he picked up along the way.

Legacy and Recognition

Gary Redus left his mark on baseball, not just with stats and records but by influencing younger players and sticking around the game after his playing days ended. His story covers both his numbers and the impact he had on others.

Awards and Honors

Redus landed a spot on the Pioneer Baseball League 85th Anniversary Team, thanks to his amazing .462 batting average in 1978 with the Billings Mustangs—a number that’s still one of the highest ever in pro baseball.

He also got inducted into the Limestone County Sports Hall of Fame, which recognized him as one of Alabama’s most successful athletes.

Across his 14 years in the majors, Redus became known as an elite base stealer, racking up 322 steals and keeping a success rate near the top of his era. He never grabbed a Gold Glove, but teams valued his defense and flexibility wherever he played.

Impact on Pioneer League and Minor Leagues

Redus’s 1978 season with the Billings Mustangs is still legendary in Pioneer League circles. That .462 batting average set a modern pro record that’s lasted for decades.

He did more than just hit for average:

• 117 hits in 68 games
• .787 slugging percentage
• 42 stolen bases
• Only 24 strikeouts in 253 at-bats

Redus’s performance helped put the Pioneer League on the map as a key place for future big-leaguers to develop. Baseball historians still point to his season as the gold standard for minor league excellence.

His journey from small-town Alabama to the majors, with a stop in the Pioneer League, proved that baseball’s developmental system could find and shape talent from just about anywhere.

Mentorship and Influence on Future Players

After he wrapped up his playing days in 1994—those last two seasons with the Texas Rangers really wore him down with injuries—Redus jumped right into coaching. He found his way back home and started working with the Montgomery Biscuits, where he loved passing along his deep baseball knowledge to up-and-coming players. (source)

Redus focused a lot on base running and plate discipline. Those became his trademarks as a coach. He wasn’t the kind of player who relied on brute strength, so he always emphasized smarts and skill—especially when talking to young guys about the mental side of the game.

A handful of MLB players have come out and said that Redus really shaped the way they approach baseball, especially when it comes to stealing bases and knowing when to swing. He had this calm way about him and always gave sharp, technical advice, which made him a great fit for young outfielders and leadoff hitters.

Redus grew up in Tanner, Alabama, and somehow turned that small-town start into a solid 14-year MLB career. That story still gives hope to a lot of players from tiny places who want a shot at the majors.