Dustin Pedroia does more with half a thumb than most people do with a healthy one.
That’s why it’s no surprise the Red Sox second baseman was named the 2013 Wilson Defensive Player of the Year in the American League Thursday, beating finalists from every other American League team for the award.
Of course, Pedroia played the entire 2013 season with a torn ligament in his thumb after injuring it on Opening Day, but thanks to a little motivation from his teammates, the 5-foot-9 energizer bunny had arguably one of the best defensive seasons of his career.
In addition to the Wilson Award, Pedroia also earned his third Rawlings Gold Glove and his second Fielding Bible recognition for his outstanding defense at the position.
Founded in 2012, the Wilson Defensive Player of the Year Award uses several methods — including sabermetric analysis and the good ‘ole fashioned eye test — to determine winners.
Pedroia set club records in 2013 with 160 games played and 159 starts at the position, while only making five errors in 688 chances, good for a .993 fielding percentage.