[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 177 (Thursday, November 20, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2322-E2323]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           RECOGNIZING DUSTIN PEDROIA OF WOODLAND, CALIFORNIA

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 20, 2008

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay 
tribute to Dustin Pedroia, who is being honored as the American 
League's Most Valuable Player for 2008, the first second baseman to 
receive this award since 1959.
  From a young age, Mr. Pedroia has shown a passion for baseball. 
Although, at 5'9", he has never been the largest player on the field, 
he has shown time and again that he more than makes up for it by 
playing with his whole heart. After graduating from Woodland High 
School in 2001 he was recruited by Arizona State University to play for 
the Sun Devils. While at ASU he quickly made an impression on his 
teammates as well as his coaches and went on to be named a 3-time 
first-team all-Pac-10 selection, the 2003 Pac-10 co-player of the year 
and the 2003 National defensive player of the year. He never missed a 
game at ASU, all while batting an impressive .384.
  Mr. Pedroia debuted in the major leagues in August of 2006 with the 
Boston Red Sox, becoming the first member of Boston's 2004 draft class 
to reach the majors. In 2007 he recorded one of the finest rookie 
seasons ever for a Red Sox player, breaking a 93-year-old major league 
record for the highest batting average by a rookie second baseman and 
also winning the Jackie Robinson Award for American League rookie of 
the year. He was also able to cap off this impressive start with a 
World Series ring by helping the Red Sox achieve a 4-0 sweep over the 
Colorado Rockies to win the championship.

[[Page E2323]]

  This year, Mr. Pedroia has surpassed his performance last season by 
leading the American League in hits, runs, and doubles while also 
batting in 83 runs and hitting 17 home runs in his own right. He has 
now become the third player in the history of Major League Baseball to 
win the rookie of the year award and the most valuable player award in 
consecutive seasons, as well as winning the golden glove award for best 
fielding performance at second base.
  Madam Speaker, it is appropriate at this time that we honor this fine 
athlete. His record of accomplishments is a testament to his talent, 
perseverance and character, as well as an indication of a promising 
career that is just beginning. I join the entire community in 
congratulating him for these achievements and wishing him and his 
family all the best in years to come.

                          ____________________