Rich Rowland, Former Tigers and Red Sox Catcher, Dies at 62

Richard Garnet Rowland, a former Major League Baseball catcher who played for the Detroit Tigers and Boston Red Sox, died on August 27, 2026, at the age of 62. His passing was confirmed by family members and reported by multiple sports news outlets Former Red Sox, Tigers catcher Rich Rowland dies at 62 Former Red Sox Catcher Rich Rowland Dies.

Early Life and Education

Richard Garnet Rowland II was born on February 25, 1964, in Cloverdale, California, to Garnet Richard and Annette Rowland Rich Rowland - Society for American Baseball Research. Growing up in a small timber community, Rowland developed a formidable physique that later earned him comparisons to folk heroes; he was often described as being "strong like an ox" due to his time working as a heavy equipment operator and lumberjack in the Northern California woods Rich Rowland - Society for American Baseball Research. He attended Cloverdale High School, where he was a standout athlete in both basketball and baseball, before continuing his education and athletic career at Ventura College and Mendocino College Rich Rowland - Society for American Baseball Research Rich Rowland Stats, Age, Position, Height, Weight, Fantasy.

Professional Baseball Career

Rowland was selected by the Detroit Tigers in the 17th round of the 1988 MLB Draft Rich Rowland Stats, Age, Position, Height, Weight, Fantasy. He made his Major League debut on September 7, 1990, for the Tigers, beginning a six-season career in the big leagues Rich Rowland - Wikipedia. Known primarily as a backup catcher, Rowland played for the Detroit Tigers from 1990 to 1993 before joining the Boston Red Sox for the 1994 and 1995 seasons Rich Rowland Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Rookie.

Over the course of 202 career games, Rowland maintained a .213 batting average with 9 home runs and 26 runs batted in Rich Rowland Career Stats - MLB. His most notable season came in 1993 with Detroit, where he appeared in 50 games and hit .222. Following his tenure with the Red Sox, he spent time in the minor league systems of the Toronto Blue Jays and San Francisco Giants before retiring from professional play Rich Rowland - Wikipedia.

Personal Life and Legacy

Rowland married Carol Ann Crittendon in 1987 Rich Rowland - Society for American Baseball Research. The couple had two sons, Robbie and Richie, both of whom followed their father into professional baseball Rich Rowland - Wikipedia. Rowland was widely respected for his blue-collar work ethic, a trait he attributed to his father and his early years in the timber industry. He is remembered by teammates and fans as a dedicated professional who successfully transitioned from the rugged forests of California to the highest level of professional sports.