College (Freshman Year)
Luckily Pedroia grew up to his current height, 5-foot-8, before his freshman year of college and earned his spot in the starting lineup, beating out sophomore Ian Kinsler for the starting shortstop position. As a freshman, he hit .347 with 45 RBIs, a remarkable stat line for a 19-year-old. Additionally, he set the ASU record for hits by a freshman with 82 and earned himself a First-Team Freshman All-American selection by Collegiate Baseball.
During a time where college athletes make their case for why they should be paid, Pedroia did the exact opposite. ASU was recruiting a junior college pitcher named Ben Thurmond, and Pedroia wanted him with the Sun Devils, but they were out scholarships.
Guy and Debbie Pedroia, Dustin’s parents were able to afford the Arizona State tuition, but Ben Thurmond’s parents were not. So Dustin forfeited his scholarship so that Thurmond could attend ASU.