David Ortiz had just heard the news: Dustin Pedroia was retiring.
Talking to WEEI.com, the former Red Sox slugger had no problem summing up how he viewed the existence of the second baseman he played with from 2006-2016.
"He showed the whole planet it wasn’t about size, it was about balls. It was amazing. Amazing," Ortiz said by phone. " Without a doubt. His dedication and discipline was another level."
Ortiz and Pedroia not only became great friends during their run with the Red Sox -- which included two world championships -- but also helped build the clubhouse culture that carried over past the 10-plus years they wore the uniform together.
"The generation of players nowadays, they are the way they are because they saw the way we used to be," Ortiz said. "The players before my era … I remember walking into the clubhouse when I was with the Twins and veteran players were just sitting down, having a cup of coffee waiting for the time to go to batting practice, blah, blah, blah. In my era, it was absolutely different. We would never stop. We were in the weight room getting ready, watching videos. We were constantly moving, doing something for the game. I take so much time to do all the stuff then we went right to the field. People would be like, ‘What are you doing at the field at 1 p.m. when the game is at 7 p.m.?’ It’s because it took so much time to get prepared because of all the stuff we did. So the generation players right now are doing that also. Pedroia was one of those guys. … Everything at the end of the day was based on the same thing and that’s why the culture in the clubhouse is there. It’s because we put that together. He would be in the dugout at 6 p.m. for a 7 p.m. game.
"The thing is that Pedroia always had that little chip on his shoulder. He had to carry it. Look man, Pedroia, he was the type of guy if you tried to (expletive) on him, he would (expletive) twice on you."
And while Ortiz's favorite memories of the second baseman were too many to count, he did surface one that came to mind. That was a game in Arlington, Texas on May 27, 2007.
"I remember one time Pedroia was facing Eric Gagne," he said. "Eric Gagne was pitching for Texas. We’re playing at Texas and Gagne throws a fastball to him and Pedroia swung out o his ass and hit a foul ball. When Gagne went to get the ball from the catcher he was looking in the dugout basically saying, ‘What the (expletive) does this little guy think he is?’ The next pitch he hit that shit out of the stadium. He was basically saying, ‘Now you know …’
"I always said in my time when I was playing, if I had to pick a player out of all of Major League Baseball, if I had to pay to watch a player play that I thought the ticket was worth it it was Dustin Pedroia. Put it this way, Pedroia would not let you get away with an at-bat. He would battle.
"He was special, man. I’m so happy and proud I was able to play with him."
The following were quotes gathered by the Red Sox from some of Pedroia's former teammates (including Ortiz) and managers:
“He was the ultimate team player. He always seemed to save his very best plays for the most important time of the game. He seemed to will himself at times to lead us to victory. It is impossible to spend any amount of time with him and not become close to him. He just has that type of personality. I wish PeeWee success in his next endeavor, and will laugh as Kelli kicks his ass!”
- Terry Francona, Red Sox manager, 2004-11
“Arguably the best second baseman to wear a Sox uniform. From the first day of spring training to the final out of each season his competitiveness and determination were an example to all. Any conversation about the greatest players in Red Sox history has to include Dustin Pedroia.”
- John Farrell, Red Sox manager, 2013-17
“Dustin is a great teammate that brings it every day, day in and day out. Not only great talent and an MVP-type player, he brought heart, soul, and hustle to all the teams that he played on. As a competitor, no one stands quite as tall as Pedroia. He may be short in stature, but tall in presence. He not only worked his way to the player that he is, but had a heart of a lion to get it done. Dustin Pedroia truly exemplifies what it means to wear the uniform of the Boston Red Sox. He is a true Red Sox and always will be.”
- Jason Varitek, Red Sox catcher, 1997-2011
“I can say so much about Dustin. It got to the point while I played that I asked myself one day, who would be a player that you would buy a ticket to see, because it was worth it to watch him play for nine innings. And my answer was Dustin Pedroia. He played with a little chip on his shoulder. He basically had the F-U type of mentality whenever he took the field. I got to the point where I worried so much about him, the way he hustled, the way he played hard, his discipline. He was committed to do well for his team and his teammates. His commitment was extraordinary. I used to watch the little guy and ask that question to myself because he was that type of guy. I really appreciate the fact that I was able to play and have a teammate like Dustin because I learned so much from him. The one thing I learned for sure was that this was not about size. This was about heart. He was the whole package. I’m happy, thankful, grateful and proud that I was able to have a teammate like him because he was a guy who motivated me to do well. Happy retirement buddy. Love you man.”
- David Ortiz, Red Sox designated hitter, 2003-16
“From the first day we shared the field until today, the love, passion and enthusiasm for the game has not changed. It has been a pleasure to watch you grow as a player, teammate, husband and father. You have impacted our organization like few others and I live proud of you.”
- Alex Cora, Red Sox infielder, 2005-08
“Dustin is the most inspiring person and player I have ever been around. He makes everyone around him a better player and person. He is a first ballot Hall of Famer! I am lucky to call him a friend, and to have played with him and win a world championship with him. He is an amazing husband, father, son, friend, and athlete. Diamonds are forever and so is Dustin Pedroia.”
- Jonathan Papelbon, Red Sox pitcher, 2005-11
“From the first day I met Pedey, I was impressed with the love he had for the game of baseball, the competitive fire to always go out and give 100%, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. The Red Sox found a gem at second base and he proved his worth year after year. I enjoyed most our card games on team flights and just talking baseball. Congrats on a standout career and all the best in this next chapter of your life.”
- Mike Lowell, Red Sox third baseman, 2006-10
“Best teammate, person, competitor and friend I ever had the privilege to see and play with!!”
- Jon Lester, Red Sox pitcher, 2006-14