Dustin and Goliath

Two men, both athletes, (Major League Baseball players to be exact) playing the sport they both love while dominating the competition.

One stands large and in charge at 6’4” 260lbs, build (Ford) tough, one of the most intimidating players to step foot in the batter’s box.

The other, small and can play ball, standing just over the kitchen counter at 5’8” 180lbs soaking wet with more pride than the rock that Simba roars off of.

These men are Ryan Howard the first baseman from the Philadelphia Phillies and Dustin Pedroia the second baseman from the Boston Red Sox.

Besides the obvious appearance difference between these two players, their athletic abilities and contributions to their respective teams are remarkably similar.

In the American League, Dustin has won an MVP (2008), Silver Slugger (2008), Rookie of the Year (2007), is a two time All Star, and has won a World Series (2007).

Meanwhile in the National League, Ryan Howard has won an MVP (2008), Silver Slugger (2008), Rookie of the Year (2005), is a two time All Star, and has won a World Series (2008).

These awards are huge honors for hold for baseball players and what's even better about these two guys, is that they are opposite sides of the appearance spectrum. It's amazing to look at Dustin and Howard and see even the slightest bit of similarity between the two, let alone a handful of awards and accomplishments.

Now I understand that their statistics are quite different, with Howard hitting more home runs in the minors (46) than Dustin has in his career as a major leaguer (42).

But with all that Dustin brings to the plate, he makes up with his ability in the field. Winning a Gold Glove to match his silver booties, in just his second year in the big leagues.

Ryan Howard may not be an defensive one man show but he is home run hitting machine. He's led the league twice in home runs and that's with the likes of Albert Pujols and Prince Fielder breathing down his neck. He's also lead the National League in RBI's three times and the 2006 Home Run Derby Champion.

To compare these two athletes seems silly but they both have more in common than the normal fan might think.

With all the stats and awards that I've compared I leave you with one more similarity, which took me practically no time to conjure up:

Dustin Pedroia replaced Mark Loretta as second baseman for the Red Sox.

Mark Loretta played for Los Angeles Dodgers in 2009.

In 2009 the Dodgers played Ryan Howard’s Phillies in the NLCS.

The final game was decided in Philadelphia, the same setting for the movie Philadelphia starring Tom Hanks.

Tom Hanks co-starred in Apollo 13 with… Kevin Bacon.