Ben Cherington has lived and worked largely behind the scenes in his role as a deputy to former Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein.
But now that the team has moved Cherington in as Epstein’s replacement, he will step forward into one of the most visible and scrutinized jobs in Boston sports.
The Boston Globe takes a look at the credentials of the new Red Sox general manager:
Personal: Cherington is 37 and a New Hampshire native. He attended Amherst College.
Professional: Cherington is considered an amateur scouting and player development expert. When Epstein left the Red Sox for three months after the 2005 season, Cherington was named a co-general manager along with Jed Hoyer. Cherington was charged with managing the minor leagues and player development issues, while Hoyer assumed responsibility for major league operations.
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Highlights from Cherington’s resume:
* Originally joined Red Sox in 1997 as an intern
* Was video advance scout for Indians in 1998
* Hired by Red Sox in November 1998 as an area scout
* Promoted to baseball operations staff in May 1999
* Named director of player development in 2002
* Appointed co-general manager with Hoyer in late 2005 during Epstein’s three-month hiatus
* Has served as an assistant to Epstein since 2006
Quotable:
“Very bright, smart, definitely a guy who can evaluate talent.’’ -- former Red Sox GM Dan Duquette, who hired Cherington
“He’s been an assistant in the big market and I think that’s very important. He knows how to deal with the media and he’ll be his own man.” -- former Mets GM Omar Minaya
“Doesn’t get flustered about things and doesn’t aspire to be out front, but more focused on the task at hand.” -- former Red Sox interim GM Mike Port, who was Cherington’s boss in 2002
“He’s incredibly respected by people in office.” -- Hoyer, who has served as the Padres’ GM since 2010 and is expected to join Epstein with the Cubs in the same role
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