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Dustin Pedroia Understands Importance of Staying Hydrated in Long Baseball Season

During most pregame news conferences, Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine carries a bottle of water.

With the scorching temperatures in the summer and the circus atmosphere around the team, the skipper stays hydrated to keep up at age 62. Other members of the team, like Jarrod Saltalamacchia, also opt for water.

But water isn't the universal beverage in the Red Sox clubhouse. Second baseman Dustin Pedroia elects to drink Vita Coco, an energy drink that has more potassium than most sports drinks like Gatorade or Powerade.

While Pedroia endorses the brand as a spokesman, the 2008 American League MVP said he has historically been a fan coconut water drinks. His association with the product has only elevated that appreciation.

"I'm a big fan of Vita Coco, and I drink it in the dugout and in games, too," Pedroia said. "It tastes good. There's a bunch of flavors, and it definitely helps, man. I don't cramp or anything. I recommend [people] get it."

Vita Coco has more potassium than two bananas, which helps with cramping, according to the company's website. It's also an all-natural coconut water drink.

Pedroia has kept his motor going with the Red Sox this season with the help of the drink, playing in 98 games. He missed 18 contests with two separate injuries, the latter of which he called a freak injury.

Despite the slight setbacks, Pedroia has continued to spark the Red Sox and also help his teammates through struggles. Pitcher Jon Lester talked about the support he received from Pedroia on July 22, when he yielded a career-high 11 runs to the Blue Jays.

"It's nice to know guys obviously want you to succeed, not only on a business level but on a personal level," Lester said of Pedroia. "It's nice to know guys have my back, which I know they all do."

On the field, Pedroia will continue to have Lester's back. And he'll get a little help from Vita Coco, too.

Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) is offering 100 healthy tips to celebrate Fenway Park’s centennial. Visit 100pitches.org to learn more.