[1][2] Known for his excellent defensive skills, Edwards was a three-time All-Star and a two-time National League Gold Glove Award winner.

In his next at-bat, in the ninth inning, he got his first hit and first RBI, driving in Gordy Coleman with a single against reliever Joe Schaffernoth.

His offensive numbers diminished after he suffered a broken finger on the last day of spring training in 1966,[7] but he continued to be one of the best defensive catchers in the National League.

With the arrival of Johnny Bench, the Reds traded Edwards to the St. Louis Cardinals for Pat Corrales and Jimy Williams on February 8, 1968.

[10] With the Cardinals, he played backup catcher to Tim McCarver, helping them win the National League pennant, however, they would subsequently lose to the Detroit Tigers in the 1968 World Series.

In his final plate appearance, pinch-hitting in the 10th inning for Skip Jutze against the Dodgers' Eddie Solomon, Edwards drew a walk.

[18] Richard Kendall of the Society for American Baseball Research devised a study that ranked Edwards as the second most dominating fielding catcher in major league history.