The Lowell Spinners have developed such Boston Red Sox stars as Mookie Betts, Jonathan Papelbon, Jacoby Ellsbury, Kevin Youkilis, Clay Buchholz, Jackie Bradley Jr., and Hanley Ramirez.
Fans who attended LeLacheur Park knew there was a chance they were seeing the next players ticketed for Boston.
Dustin Pedroia was not one of them. Pedroia, who announced his retirement from baseball Monday, never played in Lowell. After being drafted by the Red Sox in the second round in 2004 (65th overall), Pedroia began his pro career in Augusta. He later made minor-league stops in Sarasota, Portland and Pawtucket before becoming an All-Star in Boston.
Pedroia is to be commended for squeezing absolutely every ounce of ability from his body. He was not the fastest. Or strongest. Or biggest. But he played every game like it would be his last. Finally, unfortunately, his career is over.
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