Dustin Pedroia, Former AL MVP and Three-Time World Series Champion, Retires
By Jason Hall
February 1, 2021
One of the Boston Red Sox's most beloved players from its recent championship run has ended his playing career.
Second baseman Dustin Pedroia, who played for the team from 2006-19, officially announced his retirement on Monday, the Red Sox confirmed in a press release.
Pedroia played in 1,512 games for Boston, which included winning three World Series championships in 2007, 2013 and 2018, as well as the American League Most Valuable Player Award in 2008 -- the only second baseman in Red Sox history to win the award -- and the AL Rookie of the Year Award in 2007.
The 37-year-old was also a four-time All-Star (2008-10, 2013), four-time Gold Glove Award winner at second base (2008, 2011, 2013-14) and a 2008 Silver Slugger. Pedroia was also named as the starting second baseman on the All-Fenway Team in 2012.
“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,” said Red Sox principal owner John Henry.
“Dustin came to represent the kind of grit, passion, and competitive drive that resonates with baseball fans everywhere and especially with Red Sox fans. He played the game he loves in service to our club, its principles and in pursuit of championships. Most of all we are forever grateful to him for what he brought to our club and to our region as an important role model showing all of us how much one can accomplish with determination and hard work.”
Pedroia is the only player in MLB history to win a World Series title, MVP, Rookie of the Year and Gold Glove awards within their first two full seasons, which he accomplished in 2007-08.
Only National Baseball Hall of Famers Willie Mays, Frank Robinson, Johnny Bench and Cal Ripken Jr., as well as Pete Rose, Thurman Munson, Albert Pujols, Buster Posey, and Cody Bellinger all achieved all those accomplishments during the course of their historic careers.
Photo: Getty Images