The Case For Retiring A Player’s Number
Retiring a player’s number stems from tradition and honor for a particular franchise. It makes that player a part of that organization’s history and signifies their significance in its history. Every team has different criteria for retiring numbers and what bar they set for that accolade. Some teams can be more selective, while others tend to have a low bar to cross.
The Red Sox have retired ten players’ numbers (not including Jackie Robinson #42), which means the bar is set pretty high, given they’ve been around for well over a century.
Should The Red Sox Retire The Number 15?
When looking back at his career Dustin Pedroia is one of the most decorated players in Red Sox history. He started his career in 2006 and became one of the franchise’s most reliable players. He’s earned All-Star selections, Gold Glove awards, a Rookie of the Year in 2007, MVP in 2008, and three World Series championships.
But is all that enough to earn the accolade of getting their number retired for one of the most storied franchises in baseball? Here’s why I believe it is.
He’s Represented The Franchise & City Well
Pedroia is one of the few players who has represented the franchise over a long period and spent their entire career with Boston. He took a team-friendly contract just so the Red Sox could spend more money on other aspects of their roster and truly valued staying in Boston. We look around sports today; that is something you rarely see.
You often see players leaving the team that drafted them to try and collect every last cent in free agency. Well, that’s something you can’t say about number 15. He cared so much about winning and loyalty to the franchise that drafted him, making him a perfect fit in a sports city like Boston.
Honoring His Contributions To The Franchise
The highlight of Dustin’s career besides the World Series titles was his tremendous 2008 season which saw the Rookie of the Year follow up with an AL MVP award. Pedroia accumulated 1,805 hits, 624 walks compared to 654 strikeouts, and an OPS of .806. He was a player who had to work extra hard to get to the level he achieved throughout his career due to his short stature. That drive and determination made him a fan favorite for Red Sox fans.
Gold Glove Defense
Pedroia’s Gold Glove defense at second base for over a decade also tends to be overlooked. He was the type of player who would have a dirty uniform after every game due to his diving plays and his effort on the field. All four of his Gold Glove awards were well-earned and not because he was the favorite in a popularity contest.
He Was a Winner
Pedroia finished his career with three World Series titles (2007, 2013, and 2018). While he didn’t contribute much on the field in 2018, he stood with the team throughout the season and was outspoken when Aaron Judge played New York, New York, outside the team’s clubhouse after game 2 of the 2018 ALDS.
The Red Sox went on to win two at Yankee Stadium and later the World Series in five games over the Dodgers.
Final Thoughts
Dustin Pedroia is the greatest second baseman in Red Sox history and was a fan favorite for his gritty play and desire to win. Not to mention he was one of the few players who stayed with the Red Sox from draft to retirement. So yes, I believe the Red Sox should retire #15 and enshrine Petey among the greats to ever put on a Red Sox uniform.
But what do you think? Leave a comment below!
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Considering Pedey’s longevity, his excellent defensive play, and his loyalty to the Red Sox, I think they should retire his number.
PDie was fabulous and don’t have a problem with retiring his number but citing stats and calling him the greatest 2b in Sox history is shortsighted. Take a look at Bobby Doerr’s numbers, better in almost every catagory.
When There is a Bronze Statue & Babe Ruth’s number out front & up there I’d consider it…we best go get the original 3x World Series Champions 🏆 in Redsox Uniforms first before we consider adding to our storied history for all time. Never let a team steal your history with a player who did great things before the went somewhere else to do more.
The retired numbers on the right field facade are MLB “HALL of FAMERS” and it should stay that way. I am sure Dustin Pedoria will be given strong consideration when he becomes eligible by the Hall of Fame Committee after he has been in retirement for 5 years, hopefully he will be inducted in the hall, Jim Rice had to wait until the retired baseball players Committee got Jim Rice in.