Baseball World Reacts To Dustin “Laser Show” Pedroia Announcing His Retirement

Boston Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia has been plagued by injury over the past few years, and now he’s making it official–he’s retiring from the MLB.

Two-time World Series Champion and former AL MVP Dustin Pedroia has officially retired, the Red Sox announced.

Pedroia played all 14 years in the league with Boston. pic.twitter.com/9WIEiaelkO

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) February 1, 2021

“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 owner John Henry said in a statement via ESPN.

“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.”

The baseball community has flocked to social media to collectively tip the cap to Dustin Pedroia after his remarkable career has come to an end.

Just talked to David Ortiz about Pedroia retirement: 'He showed the whole planet it wasn't about height, it was about balls … If I had to pick one player to pay to watch it was Dustin Pedroia'

— Rob Bradford (@bradfo) February 1, 2021

Dustin Pedroia never gave up on a play.

Enjoy retirement, Pedey. pic.twitter.com/0NN14rAaJs

— MLB Vault (@MLBVault) February 1, 2021

I could post a ton of Pedroia highlights but this might be my favorite Pedey moment pic.twitter.com/KO3krweOdR

— Steve Perrault (@Steve_Perrault) February 1, 2021

Dustin Pedroia played with more heart and grit than most of the league combined. He led by example every single day… A true grinder. I consider myself lucky to have played alongside him. Here’s to the next chapter, buddy. You did it the right way.

— Will Middlebrooks (@middlebrooks) February 1, 2021

One of Boston's best.

Congrats to Dustin Pedroia on a great career! pic.twitter.com/VYcLZVlPci

— New England Patriots (@Patriots) February 1, 2021

Happy Retirement to the legend Dustin Pedroia #LaserShow pic.twitter.com/QSz3jtPjyD

— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) February 1, 2021

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Pedroia was just the best. Walking into the Coors Field for game 3 of the 2007 WS he was a rookie and security stopped him and asked for credentials. He'd gone deep in game 1 and said "my credentials are on the Mass Pike" then kept walking. https://t.co/Ww2TLrRle4

— feitelberg (@FeitsBarstool) February 1, 2021

In retrospect, it’s insane that Pedroia hit .293/.369/.392 with more walks (49) than strikeouts (48) in 2017. He was completely broken, and playing on one leg. Preposterous hand-eye coordination and bat control let him compete at a high level when he had no business doing so.

— Alex Speier (@alexspeier) February 1, 2021

Jonathan Papelbon has basically disappeared from public life since retiring in 2016.

His comment on Dustin Pedroia via the Red Sox: pic.twitter.com/QItpOUHCFu

— Pete Abraham (@PeteAbe) February 1, 2021

What a career! All the best to @RedSox great Dustin Pedroia in his retirement. pic.twitter.com/8aDhgpzfcs

— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) February 1, 2021

The outpouring of support shows just how beloved Pedroia was by his teammates and the fans. His grit and determination was unmatched. To put it simply–Dustin Pedroia was Boston.

Best of luck in retirement to one of the best of our generation, Dustin Pedroia.

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