Born to Play: My Life in the Game

by Dustin Pedroia

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.

Genres: Sports, Baseball, Nonfiction, Biography, Autobiography, Memoir

272 pages, Paperback

First published July 14, 2009

About the author

Dustin Luis Pedroia is an American professional baseball second baseman.

Reviews

[Brett Hedges · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading Born to Play, by Dustin Pedroia (starting second baseman for the Boston Redsox)
I liked his book because at 5"7 he is just like me. Everybody told him he couldn't play major league or college baseball because, he was "to small" or "not strong enough". But he outworked everybody and with his determination to prove everybody wrong, he received a full scholarship to ASU and was drafted in the first round in the MLB draft.
If you can relate to home in any way (as I did) you will love his book on how he outworked everybody and proved everyone wrong. Even if you can't relate to him, but just if you like sports (baseball in particular) I think you will enjoy reading this as I did, because of his amazing sheer determination to do what he loves and prove all wrong.

[Mary Tonks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice to read about my favorite current baseball player, and his struggle to prove himself.

[Cienna · Rating 2 out of 5]

Dustin, your special talent is NOT writing. Next time let a ghost writer do it for you.

[Darl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book long ago and loved it. For anyone out there who is told they're too small, it's a must. The little engine that could. Little but all heart. Tough as nails. Against the odds, 4 time Golden Glove Award Winner. I loved watching him play and loved his story. Hoping to see him in Cooperstown soon!

[Brandon Watabe · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve loved Pedey since I saw him go 5-5 against the Giants at Fenway his rookie year. It is so easy to cheer for a guy that is so relatable and you can see yourself in. Although this book ends after 2008, it is a fun documentation of his life in baseball. I’d absolutely read a sequel or an update including 2013, his late career, and retirement because I followed it all the way. Pedroia’s is a story I’ve followed on NESN or a stadium seat for a little over a decade and reading it from his perspective really emphasized that what I saw was exactly who he actually is.

And the fact that he lives in the same neighborhood as my parents is serendipitous all these years later.

[Jack Durchin · Rating 4 out of 5]

1. I read this book because I enjoy baseball a lot. Also, Dustin Pedroia is one of my favorite baseball players as he is a hard working player. This wasn't a totally random pick as I was really looking forward to the start of the season for baseball, but I also didn't know which baseball book I wanted to read as there are so many great ones.
2.This autobiography is about Dustin's life and what it took for him to get to the major leagues and become an amazing player. As a 5'9" baseball player, there were many obstacles in his way especially way trying to go to college. Not many coaches looked at him because he was so small but he overcame it and went to ASU. Once he went to ASU he had to fight his way to start and had a great career and then went on to be drafted by the red sox. He had some tough times in the minors as he dealt with many injuries including getting hit in the face which almost ruined his career. Also, his wife had developed skin cancer at a young age and she battled through it. She was able to save many lives with her support of the mlb's skin cancer prevention program to make sure kids of all ages wear sunscreen.
3. I really liked this book because it gave me the inside perspective of a player's journey to the pros. I really think I can relate to dustin because I too am a small baseball player and because of that I have to put in a lot more work than others think.
4. I would recommend this book to anyone that enjoys baseball or likes a story about hard work and dedication. People that don't understand baseball or stats might get confused with some of the concepts though.

[Weikey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I believed this was a great book for me to read. It is a biography on Dustin recommend and what he did to get to were he is now. It talks about Dustin in his childhood, and the struggles in his family. It moves on to talk about his high school and college career in baseball. He went to Arizona and played with another major leaguer Ian recommend. He was drafted and plays for the Boston Red Sox. Overall, this was a great book for a sports person like me to read. I would recommend this book to all of my friends.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not great writing, but if you're as big a fan as I am of Pedey, it's a quick and nice read. It is an older book, as a lot has happened to both him and the Sox since 2008. But there is still a lot of good lessons for a young player to learn from it, and I plan on sharing this one with my baseball obsessed son.

[RICK "SHAQ" GOLDSTEIN · Rating 5 out of 5]

RICK “SHAQ” GOLDSTEIN SAYS: “THE AMERICAN LEAGUE MVP IS A ROLE MODEL FOR ALL BOYS WHO DREAM OF BECOMING A BIG LEAGUER.”
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This is the life story of Dustin Pedroia a tough “little” guy who was told by everyone who ever saw him play… that he was just too small. What all these people didn’t realize at the time… but found out pretty quickly… was that… the more they doubted him… the more he persevered and overcame. The innumerable taunts… and lack of faith… that constantly rained down upon this undersized ballplayer… who was blessed with a giant’s heart… not only made it utterly impossible for Dustin to accept defeat… but it also drove him to only reach for stardom. From the time Dustin was a Little Leaguer… to high school… to Arizona State… thru the Boston Red Sox minor league organization… up to the big leagues with the Red Sox… Pedroia overcame his lack of size with a relentless work ethic… and won over teammates and fans alike… with a gregarious yet respectful personality. Dustin wakes up every morning of his life… gets out of bed… and looks for someone’s butt to kick. He is a one-hundred-percent team player… and he not only respects the game of baseball… with all its unwritten “machismo” rules… but he *ABSOLUTELY-LOVES-TO-PLAY-BASEBALL!* he always has and always will.

Dustin comes from a loving hard working family who always supported his dream of playing big league ball. He has overcome debilitating injuries on his personal road to the completion of his lifelong dream of being a big leaguer. What makes this book so enjoyably comfortable to read… is the way in which the co-author Ted Delaney has melded Dustin’s words into a story that accomplishes the lofty goal of… coming across as if you’re just having a personal chat with Pedroia. Along with day to day statistical accomplishments… Dustin shares the special friendships that he has been blessed with that include Terry Francona… Alex Cora… Mike Lowell… and others. Perhaps the most touching emotional parts of this book are the periodic inserts between chapters with personal views of Dustin from former coaches… players… announcers… fans… and friends. Thus far in Pedroia’s short successful career… he has already won a World Championship… he also won the Rookie Of The Year Award in 2007… and he has won the American League Most Valuable Player Award in 2008. From where I’m standing… I would say that there are an awful lot of Major League players looking “up”… at this FIVE-FOOT-SEVEN… OLD-SCHOOL-ROLE-MODEL!

[David Dunn]

Dustin Pedroia has been doubted all his life. His height and weight seem to be lacking when it comes to the physicality of baseball, but his heart and determination is what proved everyone wrong. Growing up in California, Dustin was a star at every level he played. In high school, he realized he can be something special when it came to the sport, but scouts could not see the same vision he was seeing. Overlooked by MLB teams, he went to Arizona State out of high school, and had to prove himself over and over again. In college, he won the awards of being an All - American and Defensive Player of the Year while hitting for an average of .384. He was overlooked by the team in his backyard (San Francisco Giants), but finally drafted by the Boston Red Sox after his junior year. Pedroia overcame obstacles such as injuries in the Minor Leagues, but finally reached the majors. In 2007, he won Rookie of the Year while also winning the World Series with the Sox. With a chip on his shoulder and hard work, he made a name for himself and proved everyone wrong. The star second basemen believed in himself when no one else did, and that is what makes him such a phenomenal player. This book is a great read for anyone who feels that their abilities are underrated. - David Dunn

[Drew Hallgren · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the story of Dustin Pedroia's journey through baseball with all of its ups and downs. This book was published in 2010 and Dustin is no longer in the league, however, he was definitely someone who I modeled my game after when I was an infielder. I love stories of the underdog, and stories that are all about hard work and determination because this is how I live my life. Pedroia is definitely different than me in a way however, he is five feet seven inches and weighs 170 pounds. This book is all about his journey and after just 2 years in the MLB he was named Rookie of the Year, Most Valuable Player, and helped the Red Sox win a Championship. My favorite part about Pedroia is his heart of the game. He definitely follows one of my favorite baseball players mottos, "HDMH" which means Height Doesn't Measure Heart. This is Marcus Stroman's motto who is five feet eight inches and a pitcher in the MLB. Great read for sports lovers and people who love hard work and determination.

[Sam Pocock · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked reading this book because I got an inside view of his playing career and the things he experiences playing for the Red Sox. Growing up as a Red Sox fan, this seemed a lot more interesting to me than another random MLB player. I also liked reading the comments from other people besides Pedrioa because it was interesting to learn about what other thought and perceived of him. I liked hearing that he wants to spend his entire career with the Red Sox, which is great because he can help us win the World Series. It was interesting to learn about how he was always the first player to arrive for practices and games. I ended up finishing this in 3 days because I really enjoyed reading this book. This was my favorite baseball biography I've ever read. I recommend this book to any Red Sox or even baseball fan.

[Corrie Campbell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pulled this off the shelf after getting stuck somewhere with too much time to kill. If you're a baseball fan and particularly if you're someone of a smaller stature like Dustin Pedroia, then this book can be very inspirational. Otherwise, it's just another baseball biography with few surprises. In the book's defense the intensity and fire of Dustin comes through the writing and the fierce competitor that he is was revealed and is clearly evident. The mindset that is needed to get him to the major leagues does translate into the pages of the book - that in itself might be worth reading for an aspiring baseball player.

There is nothing to dislike about the book or the baseball player as he is easily likable. Let's just say this is geared more to the Boston fans, again no surprise.

[Joe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dustin Pedroia is my favorite Boston player primarily because he always give his all for the team. The book certainly confirmed that and more. A "freak" somewhat because of his size, he should not be playing the game. But because of his love of the game he has overcome the many "nay-sayers" and become a huge success.

The book is a combination of a autobiography and biography. He writes about his personal attitude and challenges, and there are comments made by those who witnessed his rise to prominence. For sports fans, this is a book for all of those who feel they don't have what it takes to play, and for those in ANY area of life. His story is inspiring as he was one who always believed in himself. A good read on so many levels.

[Hayden Newsom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Too be honest I thought this book was going to be about how Dustin Pedroia was so good and better than everybody but man was I wrong. This book is about a MLB player Dustin Pedroia which talks about his childhood, college, pro, and even marriage. But, if you see this guy in person, your first reaction is how is this guy in the MLB he is only 5,9 so he had to put the work in to prove everyone that his size doesn't matter which the book does great explaining. Here is one of my favorite quotes. “After all the i’d done getting ready, I didn't want to deal with anything negative. I thought. This is Bullshit.” Which is what Dustin Pedroia thought every time someone judged him on his size.

[Tim · Rating 2 out of 5]

As much as I love Dustin Pedroia, the book is a bit of a letdown. The book felt like a chronological overview of places and times where Pedroia has been continuously underrated because of his height and him showing everyone up by performing better than anyone could expect from a guy his size.

Look, I'm 5'7" myself and I rank Pedroia very highly because it motivates me that my height is no issue when I play baseball, but reading this book made me understand why the concept "Napoleon complex" was invented. Really, I love Pedroia, but the entire book's mantra is simply "they thought I sucked, and then I kicked ass".

[Patrice M. · Rating 2 out of 5]

I can definitely hear Pedey's voice in this account! It is a detailed, chronological accounting of his development, growth and career in baseball. For me, it was a little dry and made for great reading, right before going to sleep, one chapter a night! Not too overstimulating, - a bit sedating - for me! BUT if you love baseball and all the details of becoming a star - this might be just the book for you.

[Arianna Curley · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a diehard Sox fan, this book gives you a look inside the mind of Dustin Pedroia. You learn what makes him tick, how he thinks, and how he approaches the game. From the first time, I saw him play ive been a huge fan of his. If I had to pick one player as my favorite, it's definitely the little guy at second base showing everyone who's boss.
Go Sox!

[Graydon Vyse · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, I read it about 4 years ago and read it about 15 times since. It taught me to have a focused and hardworking work ethic when it comes to baseball or anything in life. I would read this biography if you like biographies and you have to read it if you play baseball or like baseball. I would 100% recommend the book to someone who likes sports or baseball in general. This book was great, sometimes it felt a bit long, but the action is definitly there so it's worth it.

[Rudy Kristjanson-Gural · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would definitely recommend this book to any baseball fans out there. I thought it was a very intriguing story about just how hard Dustin Pedroia worked to get himself to the major leagues he showed I think that if you have a dream to work hard and go get it!

[Tony Mistretta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Made me appreciate the personality and determination of Dustin, who had to work harder to prove himself because of his smaller stature, and yet made his mark as one of baseball's all-time greatest players.

[Donald C. Seeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a quick and easy read for me. I am in no way and Red Sox fan bit it’s always nice to see another side of people and their lives on how they got to where they are now. Any baseball fan would love this book.

[deborah kjeldsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

Quick and fun read! Dustin is a wonderful athlete and great Bosox player in every way! Hope he stays around for a long time

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

dustin as being told he is to small to play foot ball so he go's to baseball.born to play is about dustin pedroia life

[Eric · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent, I hope he writes another one when his playing career ends.

[Zach Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don’t tell Dustin Pedroia he can’t do something because of his size. A refreshing and raw look at the journey from college to the big leagues.

[Stephen Chase · Rating 5 out of 5]

I miss your career!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Lorraine Campbell · Rating 1 out of 5]

I used to really love Pedi... Until I tried to read this book. He's arrogant, rude, egotistical, and BORING! Get his trading card. It's a better read.

[Ally · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dustin Pedroia was such an amazing person, and player ❤️ The way I got to see everything in my mind like I was playing ss. Such a good memoir!

[Miles Shiver · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not written very well but a phenomenal story