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Red Sox: Before they were BoSox – Second baseman Dustin Pedroia

By David Spampinato

Jun 26, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Boston Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia (15) hops in the air during a pitch in the second inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Texas won 6-2. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 26, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Boston Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia (15) hops in the air during a pitch in the second inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Texas won 6-2. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 13, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia (15) watches a single against the Baltimore Orioles during the seventh inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 13, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia (15) watches a single against the Baltimore Orioles during the seventh inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports /

High School

In high school, Pedey not only played baseball but also played quarterback on the freshman football team at Woodland High. His career was cut short when future NFL star linebacker Lance Briggs broke his ankle in a game.

Pedroia still managed to make the varsity baseball team as a freshman that spring regardless of the injury, and regardless of his size.

He graduated from Woodland High School in 2001 and enjoyed a very decorated baseball career as the shortstop for the Woodland Wolves. He was a three-time All-Delta League selection.

As a sophomore, he hit .448 with 2 home runs and 18 doubles, hit .459 his junior year and received an All-State team selection, and .445 with 5 home runs and 18 doubles during his senior year. In Pedroia’s senior year he received Metro Player of the Year, Delta League MVP, and named a preseason All-American by Fox Student Sports.

Despite all this, he had trouble getting Division 1 college and pro looks. However, legendary college baseball manager Pat Murphy from Arizona State liked the way the scrappy shortstop (at the time) played. The main problem in Pedroia’s recruiting was his size. He was only 5-foot-2 and 140 pounds as a senior in high school.

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