Congratulations go out to Dustin Pedroia, American League MVP for 2008. In addition to winning this award, he also won the Gold Glove and Silver Slugger award.
Dustin Pedroia stands about 5'9" and plays 2B for the Red Sox. He also won Rookie of the Year in 2007, as well as a World Series championship.
Yet, many sports commentators can't seem to just give him credit without eluding to his stature and making a joke of it. Tony Reali of "Around the Horn" on ESPN called him the "little jockey". Ben Maller of Fox Sports Radio couldn't help but say that "he doesn't look like a baseball player, he looks like he should be waiting tables." Well, apparently not Mr Maller.
Pedroia isn't the only undersized guy (though he is 5'9...average height I might add) in sports to win a MVP award. David Eckstein of the Blue Jays won 2006 World Series MVP, has appeared in two all star games and has two World Series rings, along with being very tough to strike out and stands 5'6". Emmitt Smith, NFL's all time rushing leader, is 5'9", has three Super Bowl rings, a Super Bowl MVP award, 1990 Rookie of the year, NFL MVP in 1993, and named to the 1990's all decade team. Sharing that all decade team honor with him is 5'8" Barry Sanders, who won the Heisman in 1988, was rookie of the year in the NFL in 1989, won an MVP in 1997 and, if not retiring prematurely after the 1998 season, would no doubt be the NFL's all time leading rusher and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2004. This playing behind the horrible offensive line of the Detroit Lions.
Last year, Wes Welker of the Patriots (5'9") led the league in receptions and let's not overlook Leon Washington (5'7") of the Jets and Darren Sproles (5'6") of the Chargers; both important parts of their respective teams in the running/return game.
If these guys belong waiting tables, maybe all the taller, mediocre players should be busboys and dishwashers then.
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