American baseball player (born )
Baseball player
| Dustin Pedroia | |
|---|---|
Pedroia with the Boston Red Sox in | |
| Second baseman | |
| Born: () August 17, (age&#;41) Woodland, California, U.S. | |
Batted: Right Threw: Right | |
| August 22,&#;,&#;for the&#;Boston Red Sox | |
| April 17,&#;,&#;for the&#;Boston Red Sox | |
| Batting average | |
| Home runs | |
| Runs batted in | |
| Stats at Baseball Reference&#; | |
Dustin Luis Pedroia (born August 17, ) is an American former professional baseballsecond baseman who played his entire Major League Baseball career for the Boston Red Sox, from to He was a four-time All-Star, and won the American League (AL) Rookie of the Year Award in and the AL Most Valuable Player and Silver Slugger Award in He has also received four Gold Glove Awards and was named AL Defensive Player of the Year in
Pedroia was selected by the Red Sox in the MLB draft and made his major league debut in He became a full-time player in , winning the AL Rookie of the Year Award. He was a member of the Red Sox World Serieschampionship teams in and Pedroia was the last player from the World Series team to leave the club.[1] A knee injury late in the season marked the end of his effective play.[2] After playing in only nine major league games over the and seasons, including missing the postseason,[2] he also missed all of the shortened season.[3] He announced his retirement on February 1, [3]
Pedroia was a proficient contact hitter with a very low strikeout rate and "a surprising amount of power," whose defense at second base has been rated significantly above-average.[4][5] Pedroia was the first Red Sox infielder to win four Gold Gloves.[6][7][8]
Born and raised in Woodland, California, northwest of Sacramento, Pedroia's parents operated a tire shop where they worked hour days.[9][10] His mother, Debbie Pedroia, played tennis at Sacramento City College.[10][11] Pedroia's older brother, Brett, played baseball as a catcher at Shasta College.
Pedroia attended Woodland High School and played football and baseball. His football career ended as a freshman quarterback; a hit from future All-Pro NFLlinebackerLance Briggs shattered his ankle.[12][11] As a senior baseball player, Pedroia did not strike out all season,[13] compiled a batting average and was chosen as his league's most valuable player.[12]
Pedroia attended Arizona State University (ASU), where he played college baseball for the Arizona State Sun Devils baseball team. He was teammates with Ian Kinsler and Andre Ethier. Kinsler and Pedroia competed for the shortstop position at ASU. Ultimately, Pedroia stayed at shortstop, while Kinsler ended up at second base before transferring to the University of Missouri. In three years at ASU, Pedroia never hit below and had a career average of , starting all games. To help ASU recruit better pitchers, Pedroia also relinquished the last two years of his athletic scholarship.[12] He was named ASU On Deck Circle Most Valuable Player; other winners have included Ike Davis, Willie Bloomquist, Paul Lo Duca, and Barry Bonds.[14]
Pedroia was drafted by the Red Sox in the second round of the MLB draft, with the 65th pick overall. Pedroia, the eighth shortstop drafted, received a $, signing bonus.[12]
During three seasons in Minor League Baseball, Pedroia batted while playing second base and shortstop. He spent with the Class AAugusta GreenJackets and Class A-AdvancedSarasota Red Sox, part of with the Double-APortland Sea Dogs, and parts of and with the Triple-APawtucket Red Sox.[15]
After a brief call-up in , when he hit just in 89 at-bats,[16] Pedroia became the regular second baseman for the Red Sox in replacing Mark Loretta. Pedroia suffered through an early-season hitting slump, but recovered, later putting up a game hitting streak and a five-hit game against the Giants.[17] He notably made a diving stop to preserve fellow rookie Clay Buchholz's no-hitter on September 1.[18] Pedroia won the AL Rookie of the Year award and was selected to the Topps Major League Rookie All-Star Team.[19][20]
The Red Sox played the Indians in the ALCS. In Game 7 of the series, Pedroia homered and doubled, collecting five RBI to secure the Red Sox' spot in the World Series, to face the Rockies. Pedroia homered in the first at bat of the series, making him only the second player, and the first rookie, to lead off the Series with a home run.[21] The Red Sox went on to win their second World Series title in four seasons – and the first World Series championship for Pedroia.
Pedroia performed very well during the regular season, and received AL MVP, Gold Glove and Silver Slugger awards.[22][23][24] He was the first-ever Red Sox second baseman to win a Silver Slugger Award, the first Red Sox second baseman to win a Gold Glove since Doug Griffin in , and the first second baseman to win an American League MVP Award since Nellie Fox in He hit with 17 home runs over PAs, for a wRC+.[25] Pedroia was defensively great, making only six errors through games,[26][27] saving + runs over the season, according to UZR.[5] was also Pedroia's most productive season on the basepaths; he stole 20 bases in 21 attempts, for baserunning worth runs above average.[25][28]
Pedroia's contribution in the regular season was rated WAR by Fangraphs, a "superstar" level of performance.[25][29] He became only the third player in MLB history to win Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player in consecutive seasons joining Cal Ripken Jr. and Ryan Howard, and later was followed by Kris Bryant.[30]
Pedroia was hitless through the first three games of the ALDS, recording only an RBI double in Game 4. The Red Sox defeated the Angels in four games.[31] In the ALCS against the Tampa Bay Rays, Pedroia collected nine hits in 26 plate appearances, including three home runs and a double. The rest of the team struggled to a batting average against the Tampa pitching staff, and the Red Sox lost the series.[32]
On December 3, , Pedroia signed a six-year contract extension worth $ million, with an additional team option for worth $11 million.[33]
Pedroia announced on December 15, , that he would play for the United States team in the World Baseball Classic. He recorded the first Major League hit in Citi Field history during an April 3 exhibition game against the Mets. He hit a home run in his first at bat of the season.[34]
Pedroia was selected to start for the AL All Star Team. However, Pedroia had to withdraw from the team to stay with his wife Kelli, who was experiencing pregnancy complications with the couple's first child. The same issue had caused him to miss a regular season game prior to the All Star break.[35]
Pedroia achieved his first multi-home run game on September 8, , against the Orioles.[36]
In , MLB umpireJoe West made controversial statements regarding the speed of play between the Red Sox and Yankees, Pedroia responded by saying, "What he doesn't understand is that when we don't do well in these games against the Yankees, we get killed. If he doesn't want to do Red Sox and Yankee games, he should tell the umpires' union. Then when we're in the World Series, he'll be out of that assignment, too."[37][38]
On June 24, , Pedroia went 5 for 5, with 5 RBI, and hit three home runs in a game against the Rockies that the Red Sox won, 13–11, in the tenth inning.[39] The next day, Pedroia fouled a ball off his foot in an at-bat versus the Giants. MRI results the next day confirmed that he had a broken bone in his foot, and he was placed on the day disabled list. Pedroia was under doctor's orders not to put weight on his injured foot for two weeks, but continued to practice fielding grounders while on his knees.[40]
Pedroia was named to be a reserve player on the AL All Star team, but did not participate due to this injury, and had former Arizona State teammate Ian Kinsler replace him on the roster. Pedroia returned to the lineup on August 17 against the Angels, only to be put back on the DL after playing 2 games. Pedroia would end the season having played only 75 games.[25]
In , Pedroia bounced back, batting and slugging 21 home runs over games. He won a Fielding Bible Award in as the best fielding second baseman in MLB,[41] and had his best defensive season by ultimate zone rating, with runs saved.[5] In June and July, Pedroia had a game hitting streak, the longest for a Red Sox second baseman.[42] On August 16, Pedroia was involved in throwing a triple play, started by Jed Lowrie. Pedroia's season was rated at Wins Above Replacement by Fangraphs, an "MVP-caliber" performance.[25][29]
On September 30, , Pedroia broke his left ring finger but, after being reassured the injury would not degrade with use, he made the decision to play through the pain in the following season-ending series at Yankee Stadium.[43]
On July 23, , Pedroia and the Red Sox agreed to an eight-year extension worth $ million.[44] Pedroia was represented in negotiations by Sam Levinson and Seth Levinson of ACES Inc.
Pedroia bounced back from his injury-affected season to become the only player on the Red Sox to play more than games during the team's regular season, playing in games.[45] Pedroia posted a strong regular season performance, and was awarded his third Gold Glove, second Fielding Bible Award, and the Wilson Overall Defensive Player of the Year Award for the American League.[23][25][46] The Red Sox won their division and went on to win the World Series.
In November , Pedroia underwent thumb surgery to repair a torn UCL, an injury he suffered when sliding to first base on opening day.[47]
In May , Pedroia hit his th career home run and his th career double. Pedroia hit only four home runs before the All Star break, and his hitting productivity dropped to league average.[25][48] For the season he batted // However, his fielding numbers remained strong.[5][26] For his defensive performance, Pedroia was honored with the American League Gold Glove award at second base—his fourth in his nine-year career—along with his third Fielding Bible Award. This made him the first Red Sox infielder to win four Gold Gloves.[49]
Pedroia began the MLB season with two home runs in the Red Sox opening game, on the road at Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia.[50] On June 25, , the Red Sox placed him on the day disabled list due to a right hamstring strain.[51]
Pedroia had a strong month as a hitter in August, culminating in a streak of three games, from August 25 through 27, over which he hit safely in 11 consecutive at bats, falling one hit shy of tying the major league record of 12 consecutive at bats with a base hit (shared by three players since ). During the streak, Pedroia had 10 singles, one double, scored two runs and drove in three. He also walked once during the streak, thus reaching base safely over 12 consecutive plate appearances.[52] In games played, Pedroia batted with hits, 36 doubles, runs scored, 15 home runs, and 74 RBI.[53] He tied for second in the AL in double plays grounded into, with [54]
The Red Sox finished the season with a 93–69 record, clinching the AL East division, but were swept in three games by the Indians in the ALDS. On October 13, Pedroia underwent left knee surgery, a partial medial meniscectomy and chondroplasty.[55] He won a Fielding Bible award. He also won the Wilson Defensive Player of the Year Award for second base, in all of MLB.
On May 30, Pedroia was placed on the day disabled list due to a left wrist sprain.[56] On August 1, he was again placed on the day disabled list due to left knee soreness, after being spiked in the knee by Orioles player Manny Machado.[57] On August 12, Pedroia was placed on the disabled list for the third time of the season due to soreness in the same knee.[58] Limited to games, Pedroia finished the Red Sox season with a batting average, 7 home runs, and 62 RBI. On October 25, it was revealed that Pedroia underwent surgery on his knee for a complete cartilage restoration, meaning that he would miss the start of the season.[59]
Following his late knee surgery, Pedroia started the Red Sox season on the disabled list. On May 14, he was optioned to the Triple-APawtucket Red Sox for a rehabilitation assignment.[60] He was activated on May 26, but after three games (batting 1-for), he wound up back on the disabled list with left knee inflammation.[61] On August 4, Pedroia was transferred to the day disabled list.[62] On September 7, the Red Sox announced that Pedroia would take no further part in any action for the remainder of [63] The Red Sox finished the year –54 and went on to win the World Series over the Los Angeles Dodgers.[64] Although Pedroia did not play in the postseason and was not on the team's World Series roster, he and other various personnel not on the World Series roster did receive World Series rings, as championship rings are issued by a team at their discretion.
On March 7, , Pedroia made his spring training debut, hitting a single in his lone at bat of the game while playing in the field for two innings; it was his first game action since May [65] He began the season on the injured list.[66] On April 4, he was sent to the Class AGreenville Drive on a rehabilitation assignment, where he played in three games, batting 3-for[67][68] Pedroia was activated for Boston's home opener on April 9, appeared in six games while batting 2-for (//), and returned to the injured list on April 18 due to left knee irritation.[67][69] He began a rehabilitation assignment with Double-A Portland on May 2.[70] On May 11, he was scratched from a start due to knee discomfort, and his assignment with Portland was halted on May [71] He restarted his rehabilitation, first with Triple-A Pawtucket on May 17, and then with Double-A Portland on May [72][70] Pedroia was removed from Portland's May 24 game due to left knee soreness.[73][74]
After being evaluated, he announced on May 27 that he was going to take some time to evaluate his future. When asked if he would ever play again, he said "I'm not sure."[75] The same day, the Red Sox moved Pedroia to the day injured list.[70] On August 6, Pedroia underwent a left knee joint preservation surgery.[76][77] In , he had the slowest sprint speed of all American League second basemen, at feet/second.[78]
On January 21, , it was reported that Pedroia suffered a "significant setback" with his left knee.[79] On February 23, the team placed Pedroia on the day injured list.[80] Due to his injury, Pedroia missed the entirety of the shortened season.[81]
In 1, games over 14 seasons, Pedroia posted a career batting average (for) with runs, doubles, 15 triples, home runs, runs batted in, stolen bases, walks, on-base percentage, and slugging percentage. Defensively, he recorded a fielding percentage as a second baseman. In 51 postseason games, he batted (for) with 32 runs, 14 doubles, 5 home runs, 25 RBI, 3 stolen bases and 23 walks.[82][83]
On February 1, , Pedroia announced his retirement from Major League Baseball after 14 seasons.[84]
On June 25, , the Red Sox honored Pedroia in a pre-game ceremony at Fenway Park, and announced his induction to the Boston Red Sox Hall of Fame as part of the class of [85]
Having last played in MLB in , Pedroia will be eligible to appear on the ballot for the National Baseball Hall of Fame class of , expected to be distributed to BBWAA voters in late []
Pedroia has garnered multiple nicknames during his time in Boston, including Pedey, the Laser Show,[] and the Muddy Chicken.[] His family is of Swiss Italian and Portuguese heritage.[] The Red Sox officially lists Pedroia at 5&#;feet 9&#;inches (&#;m), but he said he is 5&#;feet 7&#;inches (&#;m) in [] Pedroia has expressed an interest in Bigfoot, including tweeting about the show Finding Bigfoot from his Twitter account.[][] Pedroia enjoys playing the game cribbage; he and former manager Terry Francona used to play together.[][] Pedroia is a fan of the NBA's Sacramento Kings,[] and the NFL's San Francisco 49ers.[]
On January 9, , Pedroia was named as the cover athlete of the baseball video game MLB The Show, and appeared in several commercials for the game.[]
In August , Pedroia's wife, Kelli, gave birth to the couple's first child, a son.[] In September , Pedroia's wife Kelli had a second son.[] In June , the couple had their third son.[] They owned a home in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, but sold it in [] They reside in Chandler, Arizona.[] Pedroia is the nephew of Carolina Panthersdefensive coordinatorPhil Snow.[12]
In a interview given to Boston magazine, Pedroia criticized his hometown of Woodland, California, calling it a "dump" and a city that never embraced him.[13] This generated backlash from his hometown and his family received death threats.[] Pedroia later clarified his comments saying he was only joking and his comments were taken out of context.[] The original article's author, however, insisted that his use of the comment was not misleading. His transcript of the interview quoted Pedroia as saying "It's a dump. You can quote me on that. I don't give a shit."[]
Pedroia has authored an autobiography, and a children's book about Red Sox mascot Wally the Green Monster as a continuation of a series started by Jerry Remy: