Red Sox honor Pedroia, will induct him to team HOF in 2022

The Boston Red Sox paid tribute to longtime star second baseman Dustin Pedroia before Friday night's game against the visiting New York Yankees and bestowed the ultimate honor. The club announced it will induct Pedroia to the team's Hall of Fame in 2022, according to Ian Browne of MLB.com.

Red Sox legends Pedro Martinez and Luis Tiant were on hand to help honor Pedroia.

It was part of a full ceremony celebrating Pedroia's career, which was cut somewhat short by injuries, after he officially announced his retirement in February.

A four-time All-Star, Pedroia won the AL Rookie of the Year in 2007, AL MVP in 2008, four Gold Gloves, and was part of two World Series-winning squads (2008, 2013). He didn't play in the 2018 Fall Classic due to injury.

Pedroia finished his 14-year career with a .299/.365/.439 slash line and 140 home runs, 725 RBIs, and 138 stolen bases in 1,512 games.

The tribute clearly hit home as Pedroia teared up during the ceremony, particularly when former teammate David Ortiz was singing his praises via video.

Pedroia said that the retirement ceremony gave him a sense of closure that he was seeking after seeing his career derailed by an awful knee injury.

"I needed that," he said, according to Alex Speier of the Boston Globe. "My playing career just ended. I couldn't get back out. I needed closure. That was a special way to do it. It definitely felt like the pit I've had for a long time, it's gone away."

Red Sox manager Alex Cora joked he wouldn't be opposed to stepping aside if Pedroia eventually wanted his job.

"If he wants to manage the Red Sox in a few years, I really don't mind," Cora said, according to Chris Cotillo of MassLive.

Cora's job is safe for now, though, as Pedroia's inevitable return to baseball is on hold for the time being.

"I'll be in uniform again. I think everyone knows that. It's just a matter of time," Pedroia said, according to Speier. "I want to raise my boys and make sure that I don't miss anything in their life. They deserve that.

"And then after that, it's go time."

Finally, the Red Sox couldn't let him get away without introducing him - with the help of Ric Flair, of all people - to one of the club's newest rituals: the home run cart.