num_pages: 272
description: The inspirational story of Boston Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia -- a giant talent in a small package -- who defied his critics with hard work relentless determination and a looks-can-be-deceiving attitude 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's become a Rookie of the Year a Most Valuable Player and a 2007 World Championship titleholder. 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. Pedroia started swinging a bat when he was just a toddler and by the time he was four years old he was hitting line drives off his older brother. He has natural talent an unparalleled work ethic and a pure love of the game but he has spent his life overcoming the naysayers who believed he was too small couldn't hit and would never make it in the big leagues. With commentary from coaches teammates and friends including Red Sox manager Terry Francona and ninety-two-year-old fan (and daughter of Babe Ruth) Julia Ruth Stevens Pedroia shares the story of his difficult and uplifting journey to prove himself at every turn -- from giving up his college scholarship so his team could have a shot at the College World Series to helping the Red Sox win their second championship in four years in his rookie season to nearly winning back-to-back World Championships in 2008. He takes readers into the legendary Red Sox clubhouse and reveals the challenges a rookie faces in a city so serious about baseball. More than anything Pedroia's love of the game and desire to win not just for himself but for his teammates defines him 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.
language: English
title: Born to Play: My Life in the Game
publisher: Gallery Books