Red Sox legend Dustin Pedroia announces retirement

Longtime Red Sox star Dustin Pedroia is hanging up his cleats for good following a standout MLB career. Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports

Red Sox legend, 2008 AL MVP Dustin Pedroia announces retirement

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 2/1/21

Dustin Pedroia has not played a full season for the Boston Red Sox since 2017, but he hoped to return to the field despite his long battle with a left knee injury.

On Monday, the former MVP second baseman laid to rest his dreams of returning to the diamond, announcing his retirement from Major League Baseball.

"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," Red Sox principal owner John Henry said in a statement.

Thank you for every…
Laser Hit
Double Play Turned
Hop at Second
Filthy Jersey
Electric Soundbite
World Series Championship pic.twitter.com/Kq4x6Ra5n7
— Red Sox (@RedSox) February 1, 2021

Pedroia appeared in 1,512 games for the Red Sox from 2006-19, though he only played nine games from 2018-19 due to his knee injury. In 14 seasons in the majors, the 37-year-old slashed .299/.365/.439 with 140 home runs and 725 RBI.

The California native was a staple in Boston's lineup, helping the franchise capture two World Series titles in 2007 and 2013. In 2007, he was named Rookie of the Year. One year later, he was named American League MVP and won his first Gold Glove and Silver Slugger award.

In total, Pedroia ends his historic career with three World Series titles, four Gold Gloves, four All-Star appearances, one Silver Slugger award, one MVP award and a Wilson Defensive Player of the Year award.

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