Born to Play: My Life in the Game [Hardcover]

Dustin Pedroia (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review

“We learned that if we told this kid he couldn’t do it, he was going to go ahead and show us that he could.”

—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 --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Product 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.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 272 pages
• Publisher: Simon Spotlight Entertainment (July 14, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1439157758
• ISBN-13: 978-1439157756
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.4 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #110,258 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

  #27 in

  Books > Biographies & Memoirs > Biographies > Baseball

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Can't put this one down, July 25, 2009

By	Adrian "Adrian" (PA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Born to Play: My Life in the Game (Hardcover)

The story of the engine that could. I bought this book since I am a die-hard Red Sox fan and Pedroia follower, however this is the kind of stuff anyone would like hearing. Everyone said he was too small, too slow, too whatever, Dustin proves that hard work and determination will get you anything you put your heart and soul into. In my opinion I believe Dustin already had the best work ethic in baseball, this just makes me appreciate him that much more. Thanks so much Dustin for sharing your story.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars His life is accompanied by commentary from coaches, teammates and friends, October 18, 2009

By	Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Born to Play: My Life in the Game (Hardcover)

BORN TO PLAY: MY LIFE IN THE GAME comes from baseball great Dustin Pedroia and recounts how he became Rookie of the Year in just two years of major-league play. His life is accompanied by commentary from coaches, teammates and friends and tells of a player who had a difficult journey to fame and success: any library catering to baseball fans will relish this powerful autobiography.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars "Little Pedey", August 21, 2009

By	Penny "Sports Fan" (Fall River, MA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Born to Play: My Life in the Game (Hardcover)

This is an excellent read. I just love his way of saying things. It is also an easy read. If you like Pedroia, you will like his book.