Boston Red Sox legend Dustin Pedroia is hanging up his cleats for good, announcing his retirement from Major League Baseball after an incredible career.
Pedroia, who last played in April 2019 for the Red Sox, saw the end of his tenure in Boston ravaged by injuries that kept him off the diamond. When healthy, though, the second baseman was one of the team’s biggest stars and an MLB icon for years.
Thank you for every…
— Red Sox (@RedSox) February 1, 2021
Laser Hit
Double Play Turned
Hop at Second
Filthy Jersey
Electric Soundbite
World Series Championship pic.twitter.com/Kq4x6Ra5n7
When the Red Sox drafted Pedroia with their second-round pick in the 2004 MLB Draft, many blasted the selection of a 5-foot-9 infielder. It was viewed as a reach, with many confident that the former Arizona State Sun Devil would never live up to his draft status.
Pedroia made his MLB debut in 2006, but struggled in his first taste of the majors. Across 31 games, he posted a .191/.258/.303 slash line and seemed overwhelmed at the plate. After dedicating his offseason to improving his entire game, he blossomed.
He earned Rookie of the Year honors in 2007, posting a .317/.380/.442 slash line with 29 doubles and 50 RBIs. The following season, he took home the AL MVP and Gold Glove Award, thanks to a .869 OPS with 17 home runs, 20 stolen bases and a league-leading 213 hits.
Pedroia would go on to make four All-Star Game appearances (2008-10, 2013), four Gold Glove Awards (2008, ’11, ’13, ’14) and won two World Series titles.
Unfortunately, a knee injury derailed his final years. A Manny Machado slide in 2017, which Pedroia blamed for the recurring problems, sidelined him for months. He kept attempting to return, even this past season, but the pain never quite went away.
Pedroia spent his entire career with the Boston Red Sox, appearing in 1,512 games. Across 14 seasons, he hit 140 home runs, recorded 138 stolen bases and posted a .299/.365/.439 slash line. Injuries likely wiped away his shot at making the Hall of Fame, but MLB fans remember his impact on the game.
Just talked to David Ortiz about Pedroia retirement: 'He showed the whole planet it wasn't about height, it was about balls … If I had to pick one player to pay to watch it was Dustin Pedroia'
— Rob Bradford (@bradfo) February 1, 2021
One cruel aspect of the way it ended for Dustin Pedroia: He ended 2017 as a .300 hitter in exactly 6,000 at-bats. He then went 3-for-31 in nine games between 2018 and 2019 to finish with a .299 career average.
— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) February 1, 2021
Dustin Pedroia is going to make an incredible coach and one day, manager.
— Gabrielle (@gfstarr1) February 1, 2021
In the last few seasons when he was sidelimed, he helped so many of his teammates get better, from Eduardo Rodriguez to Rafael Devers. Hopefully, he stays in the organization to continue doing so.
Hat tip to #RedSox Dustin Pedroia's amazing career. Here's his career home run spray chart overlaid at Fenway Park… He was made for Fenway. pic.twitter.com/sXHJc3AgOS
— Daren Willman (@darenw) February 1, 2021
◾️ Rookie of the Year
— The Athletic MLB (@TheAthleticMLB) February 1, 2021
◾️ 2008 MVP
◾️ 4x Gold Glove winner
◾️ 2x World Series champion
◾️ 14-year career
Dustin Pedroia has officially announced his retirement. pic.twitter.com/ACaEhpA67t
Man watching this dude just swing from the heels and bang lasers off the Wall… pic.twitter.com/TWeusR6OJc
— Mark Schofield (@MarkSchofield) February 1, 2021
Yankees fan here… this guy annoyed the HECK out of me over the years. Surely, a sign of respect. Feared this guy at the plate. A Red Sox player with the clutch gene, no doubt.
— ATM Sports Bank — Adam Taylor McKillop (@atmsportsbank) February 1, 2021
Dustin Pedroia would get my vote for the HOF, but I have a feeling 75 percent of the BBWAA may not agree with me. Hope I'm wrong.
— Christopher Crawford (@Crawford_MILB) February 1, 2021
Loved Pedroia, but it was time. Such an iconic career. He’s a HOF in my eyes. Heart and soul of the Red Sox. Still remember when he came into the league in 07. This one stings a bit. No one from 07 is officially on the Red Sox anymore. https://t.co/5m3lsVK0pu
— PompyXG (@pompyxg) February 1, 2021
Thank you for being a great player for the Red Sox, Dustin!!! pic.twitter.com/UvdILb2G4f
— Austin (@Austin12324) February 1, 2021
I WASNT EMOTIONALLY PREPARED PLEASE https://t.co/7AKToLQz8B
— Sarah Griffin (@skg_18) February 1, 2021
Red Sox drew a lot of criticism when they made this draft pick years ago. Boy did they – or, more specifically, he – proves us wrong. https://t.co/5N9VoKEmJa
— Tony Massarotti (@TonyMassarotti) February 1, 2021
Red Sox owner John Henry: "Dustin is so much more than his American League Most Valuable Player award, his All-Star Game selections, and the Gold Gloves he amassed throughout his impressive 17-year career in our organization.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) February 1, 2021
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