Want a NOOK? Explore Now
The inspirational story of Boston Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia—a giant talent in a small package—who defied his critics to become one of the greatest players in the game today
Dustin Pedroia, at five feet seven inches and 170 pounds, is not the biggest, the strongest, or the fastest player in the game of baseball, but in just two years of major-league play he was named Rookie of the Year, Most Valuable Player, and helped the Boston Red Sox win a World Championship. At a time when steroid scandals dominate media coverage of America’s beloved pastime, Pedroia has proven to the world that a good baseball player is more than size and statistics. His success comes from the heart.
In Born to Play, Pedroia shares the story of his difficult and uplifting journey to prove himself at every turn. More than anything, his love of the game and desire to win, not just for himself but for his teammates, defines Pedroia as an athlete—but his dedication, his perseverance, and of course, his monster swing have made him a beloved new symbol of baseball and offer hope for the future of America’s favorite game.
—Pat Murphy, head baseball coach,
Arizona State University
“He’s going to be an elite player every year because pitchers will always make the mistake of trying to throw fastballs by him.”
—Mike Lowell, third baseman, Boston Red Sox
Prologue 1
1 Early Innings 9
2 Break a Leg 21
3 Rising Star 33
4 The Carson City Kid 49
5 Sun Devil 59
6 Salad Days in the Sally League 83
7 Climbing the Ladder 101
8 The Winds of Change 115
9 Going to the Show 121
10 Batter Up 131
11 Rough start 141
12 Turning a Corner 155
13 Champions 179
14 Rookie of the Year 197
15 Establishing a Routine 209
16 What Sophomore Jinx? 227
17 MVP 251
Epilogue 257
Anonymous
Posted May 2, 2013
Great book
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted May 28, 2012
I agree with the person that said that there is strong language in the book. Sorry pd just not a good book for little ones even though u hav a lot of little fans. There definetly was some language. Send a comment or review if u agree with me. Reply to me. Im ninja2007
(No im not born in 2007) heres an example
Dear ninja2007,
I agree/disagree with you because.....
And so on. Thanks! :)
1 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.6018858
Posted February 25, 2011
pedey is an awe inspiring figure in the game and life. great book
1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted January 13, 2011
It inspired me
1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted July 25, 2009
This is a great read for any parent caught up in a world of fast food and electronics.
Sit down and take in a few minutes to reflect on what it's really about. You don't have to be a baseball fan to enjoy the message in this book. It brought me back to growing up in the 50's and 60's. You ran out the door in the morning grabbing your bat and ball or your ice skates or just on your bike, you missed lunch and usually where late for supper but that was ok! You played hard and every minute counted for something because it was a real part of who you were. You worked out your differences on the ball field etc. and you learned something about yourself and how to prepare for that great big world waiting for you someday.
Pedroia is a good sole who worked hard for e-e-everything he has. He has an incredible work ethic. One you won't see much of these days. It's a refreshing feel good read. It can be a little slow read at times but it's still ok. You might want to read it first before your child does only because it has a few sports WORDS in it, or read it to your young sports fan, well worth it!!!
1 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted September 11, 2012
It was awesome go pedro
0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted May 8, 2012
This is one of if not the best sports books written by an actual player. I couldn't put the book down! Everyone should reid this!
0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted April 8, 2012
Dustin Pedroia is soooo awesome with his funny personality!
!
0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted January 13, 2012
Ilove how it is written
0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.2456174
Posted June 24, 2011
The best, from the best.
0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted May 12, 2011
Dustin Pedroia , he is 10 and He plays Little League Baseball. He plays for Red sox the team he wants too play for in the MLB when he grows up. He's always wanted too play for the Red sox his dad's name is Emanuel Pedroia. He played in the Major League Baseball with the Seattle Mariners, he was a Shortstop and First Basemen, he was very good at Shortstop so that's what he mainly played at. Dustin Pedroia is a very Good Baseball Player, He is the Pitcher and he is good at hitting. He hit 23 Homeruns this Season and still going. They are playing in the Play-Offs they're in the First Round their playing against Miners not a really good team but the team there playing if they win is a really good team and there Rank #2 in the town and Dustin's team is Rank #1. So, it's gunna be a tough game for each other. Pedroia is getting ready to play against the Miners, the score was 5-2 Red sox win there advancing to the second round to face the Rank #6 team they beat the Bombers by 1. So, there playing the Angels in the Second round if they win this One there in the Championship at the Boston Red Sox real actual Stadium so, it was his dream too play for Boston Red Sox in Major League Baseball. His favorite Baseball player was Babe Ruth who played for New York Yankee's he was a very good Baseball player and he won so many championships in his long Career with the New York Yankee's. he wanted too be just like him in baseball. Dustin Pedroia , he is 10 and He plays Little League Baseball. He plays for Red sox the team he wants too play for in the MLB when he grows up. He's always wanted too play for the Red sox his dad's name is Emanuel Pedroia. He played in the Major League Baseball with the Seattle Mariners, he was a Shortstop and First Basemen, he was very good at Shortstop so that's what he mainly played at. Dustin Pedroia is a very Good Baseball Player, He is the Pitcher and he is good at hitting. He hit 23 Homeruns this Season and still going. They are playing in the Play-Offs they're in the First Round their playing against Miners not a really good team but the team there playing if they win is a really good team and there Rank #2 in the town and Dustin's team is Rank #1. So, it's gunna be a tough game for each other. Pedroia is getting ready to play against the Miners, the score was 5-2 Red sox win there advancing to the second round to face the Rank #6 team they beat the Bombers by 1. So, there playing the Angels in the Second round if they win this One there in the Championship at the Boston Red Sox real actual Stadium so, it was his dream too play for Boston Red Sox in Major League Baseball. His favorite Baseball player was Babe Ruth who played for New York Yankee's he was a very good Baseball player and he won so many championships in his long Career with the New York Yankee's. he wanted too be just like him in baseball. Dustin Pedroia , he is 10 and He plays Little League Baseball. He plays for Red sox the team he wants too play for in the MLB when he grows up. He's always wanted too play for the Red sox his dad's name is Emanuel Pedroia. He played in the Major League Baseball with the Seattle Mariners, he was a Shortstop and First Basemen, he was very good at Shortstop so that's what he mainly played at. Dustin Pedroia is a very Good Baseball Player, He is the Pitcher and he is good at hitting. He hit 23 Homeruns this Season and still going. They are playing in the Play-Offs they're in the First Round their playing against Miners no
0 out of 6 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted January 13, 2010
No text was provided for this review.
Anonymous
Posted August 1, 2010
No text was provided for this review.
Anonymous
Posted December 12, 2009
No text was provided for this review.
Anonymous
Posted November 7, 2010
No text was provided for this review.
Anonymous
Posted April 21, 2011
No text was provided for this review.
Anonymous
Posted August 30, 2010
No text was provided for this review.
Anonymous
Posted June 30, 2011
No text was provided for this review.
Anonymous
Posted July 28, 2010
No text was provided for this review.
Anonymous
Posted May 1, 2012
No text was provided for this review.
Overview
The inspirational story of Boston Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia—a giant talent in a small package—who defied his critics to become one of the greatest players in the game today
Dustin Pedroia, at five feet seven inches and 170 pounds, is not the biggest, the strongest, or the fastest player in the game of baseball, but in just two years of major-league play he was named Rookie of the Year, Most Valuable Player, and helped the Boston Red Sox win a World Championship. At a...