Jerry Remy – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Jerry Remy built a solid ten-year career in Major League Baseball before finally hanging up his cleats in 1984. He left behind a reputation as one of the game’s most reliable second basemen.

Remy, a Massachusetts native, spent his last seven seasons with the Boston Red Sox, his hometown team. He kicked off his pro journey with the California Angels back in 1975.

Remy retired at just 31 because those persistent knee injuries simply wouldn’t let him keep playing. He had to step away from the game he loved, ending a career that included an All-Star nod and over 1,100 games.

Remy’s exit marked the end of an era for a player New England fans adored for his scrappy style and steady glove.

This look at Remy’s career digs into why he retired, his stats, and the impact he made on and off the diamond. From his early days in Fall River to his last game at Fenway Park, Remy’s story really shows what a hometown hero can do—even when his body doesn’t always cooperate.

Jerry Remy’s Retirement from MLB in 1984

Jerry Remy’s last year in Major League Baseball wrapped up in 1984. Persistent knee injuries forced the Boston Red Sox second baseman to call it quits.

He made his final appearance at Fenway Park on May 18, 1984. That game closed the book on a ten-year career, including seven seasons with the Red Sox.

Factors Leading to Retirement

Knee injuries dogged Remy through his later years and ultimately pushed him into retirement. He just couldn’t shake the chronic knee problems, and those issues sapped his mobility and effectiveness.

During the 1983 and 1984 seasons, Remy’s knees got even worse. He struggled to turn double plays and cover ground at second base, both key parts of his defensive game.

The Boston Red Sox medical staff told Remy he should think about retiring if he wanted to avoid more damage. Despite multiple surgeries and rehab efforts, his knees never really bounced back.

At 31, Remy realized his body just couldn’t take the grind of pro baseball anymore. His knee problems had already cut his playing time way down in that last season.

Final Games and Announcements

Remy suited up for his last Red Sox game on May 18, 1984, at Fenway Park. That day marked the end of his playing days, though he didn’t announce his retirement right away.

The Red Sox kept Remy’s exit pretty low-key. They didn’t throw any big farewell or make a splashy announcement.

His final stats really show how much his injuries cut his career short. Remy finished with a .275 average, 7 home runs, and 329 RBIs in 1,154 games.

His departure happened around the same time as other big Red Sox moves. Dennis Eckersley, for example, got traded to the Cubs for Bill Buckner just a week after Remy’s last game.

Reaction from Boston Red Sox and Fans

Red Sox fans felt disappointed to lose a player who had become a Fenway favorite. Remy’s gritty play and dedication won him a lot of respect in Boston.

The organization made sure to praise Remy’s work during his seven years with the team. Teammates and management pointed out his defensive skills and leadership.

Players around the league respected Remy’s work ethic. Even when he played through pain, he earned admiration from anyone who knew what it took to play second base.

Red Sox management knew Remy’s retirement left a big gap at second. His experience and knowledge of American League pitching were huge for the team’s defense.

People in baseball respected Remy’s choice to retire instead of playing at less than his best. He put his health first, and that decision showed a lot of wisdom—not everyone would do the same.

Professional Baseball Career Overview

Jerry Remy played ten seasons in Major League Baseball from 1975 to 1984. He spent three years with the California Angels, then seven with the Boston Red Sox.

He posted a .275 batting average, 329 RBIs, and 208 stolen bases. He earned a reputation as a reliable second baseman in the American League.

California Angels Years

Remy made his big league debut with the California Angels on April 7, 1975, against the Kansas City Royals. He picked up a single off Steve Busby in his first at-bat but then got picked off first base right away.

That rookie year, Remy started 145 games at second and hit .258 with one homer and 46 RBIs. He stole 34 bases but also led the league in getting caught—21 times.

He bumped his average up to .263 in 1976, though he didn’t hit any home runs that season. In 1977, he had his best Angels year: four homers, a .252 average, and 44 RBIs.

The Angels made Remy team captain in June 1977. That move made him just the second captain in franchise history.

Over three seasons in California, Remy played 444 games, hit .258, knocked five homers, drove in 118 runs, and swiped 110 bases.

Boston Red Sox Tenure

The Angels traded Remy to the Boston Red Sox on December 8, 1977, for pitcher Don Aase and cash. That deal brought him back to Massachusetts and kicked off the best stretch of his career.

Remy took over as Boston’s starting second baseman in 1978. He hit .278 with 44 RBIs and 30 steals in 148 games.

He launched his last two career home runs that year and played in the dramatic AL East tie-breaker game against the Yankees.

Remy’s best offensive years came in 1980 and 1981, batting .313 and .307. The 1980 season only lasted 63 games for him, thanks to injuries. In 1981, he played 88 games during the strike-shortened season.

On September 3-4, 1981, Remy pulled off a rare feat—six hits in a 20-inning game against the Seattle Mariners. He played a career-high 155 games in 1982, hitting .280 and showing off his glove at second.

Major Achievements and Milestones

Remy’s stats show he was more of a contact hitter and base stealer than a power guy. He ended up with a .275 average in 1,154 games, just seven home runs, and 208 steals.

He earned respect for his defense, finishing with a .981 fielding percentage. Bill James ranked Remy as the 100th greatest second baseman of all time in his Historical Abstract in 2001.

The 1978 AL East tie-breaker was as close as Remy ever got to postseason play. He reached base in the ninth, but Carl Yastrzemski made the last out against the Yankees.

Knee injuries really hurt his last few seasons. He played just 30 games in 1984, making his last start at second on May 5 and his final big league appearance as a pinch hitter on May 18.

All-Star Selection

Remy got his only All-Star nod in 1978, his first year with the Red Sox. He had established himself as the team’s regular second baseman and was hitting well.

He didn’t actually play in the All-Star Game, but the selection recognized his all-around play in the first half of 1978.

That All-Star honor showed people valued Remy’s batting average, speed, and steady defense. His .278 average and 30 steals that year definitely helped his case.

Statistical Highlights and Playing Style

Jerry Remy’s ten-year MLB career featured steady offense with a .275 batting average and standout defense at second base. His speed and fielding made him a real asset for both the Angels and Red Sox.

Career Batting and Fielding Stats

Remy racked up 1,226 hits in 1,154 games. He focused on getting on base, not hitting for power.

Key Offensive Statistics:

• Batting Average: .275
• On-Base Percentage: .327
• Slugging Percentage: .328
• OPS: .656
• Home Runs: 7
• RBIs: 329
• Runs Scored: 605

His WAR of 14.6 over ten seasons shows his overall value. Remy’s top offensive year came in 1980 when he hit .313 in limited action.

At second, Remy posted a career fielding percentage of .980. He kept getting better defensively, especially after joining Boston.

Defensive Strengths at Second Base

Remy became a dependable Red Sox second baseman with great range and quick hands. His defensive stats improved after he landed in Boston in 1978.

Baseball Reference stats highlight his defensive chops. In 1975, he had a Rtot of 10, showing above-average value. He did even better in 1976 with an Rtot of 12.

Remy’s knack for turning double plays really helped his pitchers. He took part in 111 double plays during his rookie year. His quick release and accurate throws boosted Boston’s infield defense.

His range factor often matched or topped league averages. In 1975, his 5.35 RF/9 showed he could reach balls other guys missed.

Base Running and Stolen Bases

Speed defined Remy’s game on the bases. He stole 208 bases in his career and got caught stealing 99 times.

Remy had his best years for steals early with California. In 1977, he swiped 41 bases and got caught 17 times. The next year in Boston, he stole 30 bases with better efficiency.

Knee injuries slowed his running in later years. In 1980, he stole 14 bases—his last season with double-digit steals. Those same knee problems eventually ended his career.

His career stolen base percentage hovered around 68%, which was pretty solid for the era. Remy seemed to know when to run and rarely made base-running mistakes that hurt his team.

Personal Background and Early Life

Gerald Peter Remy was born on November 8, 1952, in Fall River, Massachusetts. His parents gave him both a love for baseball and a strong sense of family.

His path from a shy kid in Somerset to the big leagues started with natural talent and a lot of determination.

Family and Education

Jerry Remy grew up in Somerset, a small town near the Rhode Island line. His dad Joe sold furniture at Mason’s, and his mom Connie juggled work as a hairdresser and dance instructor.

The Remys reflected the mix of backgrounds common in Massachusetts. Jerry was three-quarters French Canadian and one-quarter Irish. He had a sister, Judy, who he said was his “complete opposite” personality-wise.

Despite his parents being outgoing, Jerry was a shy, quiet kid. He found his escape in sports and staying active.

The family lived next to a park, and Jerry thrived in baseball, basketball, and hockey. His mom’s dance background actually played a big part in his growth as an athlete.

Jerry took tap lessons until he was 14. “I really believe that dancing is the reason I had quick feet,” he once said. That training gave him the speed and agility that would become his calling card on the field.

The Remy household loved the Boston Red Sox. Jerry’s dad and grandfather were die-hard fans, especially of Ted Williams.

Jerry’s first trip to Fenway Park at age nine made a big impression—he never forgot seeing the Green Monster.

Path to Major League Baseball

Jerry’s baseball talent showed up early in his Little League days as a shortstop. He copied his batting stance from his hero, Carl Yastrzemski.

As a teenager, Jerry spent his time in typical small-town ways. He once said, “playing baseball and spending time with my friends, smoking Marlboros and drinking Buds” pretty much summed it up.

At 16, Jerry played in a youth all-star game at Fenway Park. That game probably put him on the radar for professional scouts.

In June 1970, the Washington Senators drafted Jerry in the 19th round. Instead, he decided to go to college.

Jerry tried St. Leo’s College in Florida, but he couldn’t play baseball there because of academics. He went back home and enrolled at Roger Williams College in Rhode Island, but only stayed for one semester before chasing professional baseball.

The California Angels picked Jerry in the eighth round of the secondary draft in January 1971. Scout Dick Winseck signed him for $500 per month.

Funny enough, Jerry hadn’t even met Winseck before signing. “I always had the feeling I was one of those leftover players,” Jerry said years later.

During this time, Jerry married his high school sweetheart, Phoebe Brum, who came from a Portuguese family in Fall River. They later had three kids, including Jordan Remy, who followed his dad into baseball.

Life and Impact After Retirement

Jerry Remy went from player to broadcaster in 1988, turning into the voice of Red Sox baseball for more than thirty years. He became a beloved media figure, wrote about the game, and somehow turned into a cultural icon for Red Sox Nation.

NESN and Broadcasting Career

Remy joined the New England Sports Network (NESN) in 1988 as a color commentator for Red Sox games. His broadcasting career lasted 33 years, making him one of baseball’s longest-running announcers.

He formed a legendary partnership with play-by-play announcer Don Orsillo. Their chemistry in the booth made Red Sox games must-watch TV for fans.

Remy’s nickname, “Rem Dawg,” turned into a staple of Red Sox broadcasts.

He mixed baseball smarts with a sense of humor in his commentary. He shared stories from his playing days and gave insights only a former player could offer.

Remy broke down complicated baseball situations so even casual fans could follow along. That made the game more welcoming for everyone.

NESN honored him by naming their broadcasting booth at Fenway Park “The Jerry Remy Booth” on April 15, 2022. This recognition came after his death and really showed how much he meant to Red Sox broadcasting.

Writing and Media Projects

Remy wrote several books about baseball and his time with the Red Sox. One of his projects, “If These Walls Could Talk,” shared behind-the-scenes stories from his broadcasting career.

He also wrote “Watching Baseball,” a guide that helped fans get a better grip on the game. That book matched his on-air style—he wanted baseball to make sense for everybody.

The Remy Report became a hit segment during Red Sox broadcasts. In those, Remy broke down plays, talked strategy, and pointed out things he noticed during the game.

Remy didn’t just stick to NESN. He popped up on other sports shows and joined baseball conversations on radio all over New England.

Role in Red Sox Nation

Remy grew into a central figure in Red Sox Nation, the team’s passionate fan base. His style in the booth connected with generations of fans who grew up listening to him.

He had a special bond with Wally the Green Monster, Fenway Park’s mascot. Their on-air moments turned into fan favorites and added a little extra fun to broadcasts.

Remy’s influence on Red Sox culture stretched beyond just calling games. He helped fans understand and love baseball through his analysis and stories.

Fans picked up his catchphrases and started quoting his takes on players and games. His commentary became part of Red Sox tradition.

Honors, Legacy, and Charitable Initiatives

Jerry Remy’s impact reached way past his stats as a player, earning him spots in multiple halls of fame and kicking off lasting charitable work. His career at NESN built a strong connection with Red Sox Nation that still shows up in all kinds of tributes.

Boston Red Sox Hall of Fame Recognition

The Boston Red Sox inducted Jerry Remy into the Red Sox Hall of Fame. They wanted to celebrate both his playing days and his 33 years in the NESN broadcast booth.

The Fenway Park broadcasting booth got renamed “The Jerry Remy Booth” on April 15, 2022. That tribute keeps his presence alive at every home game.

The team created commemorative patches to honor Remy. Boston media members received these patches as a nod to his lasting influence on Red Sox coverage.

Community and Charitable Work

Remy started the Jerry Remy Foundation to support cancer research and raise awareness. The foundation focused on research after his 2008 lung cancer diagnosis.

He worked closely with The Jimmy Fund and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute during his fight with cancer. His openness about his illness inspired many fans dealing with similar challenges.

Remy’s restaurant chain, RemDawg’s, turned into gathering spots for Red Sox fans. These places became another way he stayed connected to New England’s baseball culture.

Lasting Influence in New England Baseball

Jerry Remy got inducted into the Massachusetts Broadcasters Hall of Fame for his television work. He shaped how New Englanders experience baseball on TV.

Fans called him “RemDawg,” and honestly, it’s hard to think about Red Sox baseball without picturing him in the booth. For more than thirty years, he mixed sharp baseball insight with a sense of humor that somehow clicked with both die-hard fans and folks just tuning in.

David Ortiz even said Remy came up with the “Big Papi” nickname, which, let’s face it, became a huge part of baseball culture. That kind of influence doesn’t just fade away.