Red Sox 2B Dustin Pedroia calls it quits after 17-year career

One of the Boston Red Sox’ best infielders in franchise history has decided to call it a career.

Dustin Pedroia has announced his retirement from baseball after an illustrious career that spanned 17 seasons and 1,512 combined regular season games.

The 37-year old, who was selected by the franchise in the second round of the 2004 June Draft, earned four All-Star Game selections, four Gold Glove Awards, and three World Series titles throughout his career. He was also a recipient of the American League Rookie of the Year award (2007), American League Most Valuable Player award (2008), and Silver Slugger Award (2008).

“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 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.”

Although his time in baseball was cut short due to the lingering effects of various injuries (played in just 114 games from 2017-2020), he managed to rack up a .299 combined batting average, .365 on-base percentage, .805 OPS, 140 homers, 138 stolen bases and 705 RBI.