Woodland's favorite son, and certainly most recognizable face outside of Yolo County, may have some explaining to do the next time he visits his hometown.
And from what Dustin Pedroia said in an interview in the current edition of Boston Magazine, it may be a long time before he wants to come back.
The Boston Red Sox second baseman and 2008 American League MVP ripped his hometown in the magazine.
Pedroia said of Woodland: "It's a dump. You can quote me on that. I don't give a … "
Pedroia was The Bee's Player of the Year out of Woodland High School in 2001 before attending Arizona State.
Pedroia admitted to Boston Magazine that he was upset with the city for an unspecified reason. However, his brother was arrested in Woodland in January on child-molestation charges. Brett Pedroia has pleaded not guilty.
"Everyone wants to get out of there," Dustin Pedroia said. "You don't want to stay in Woodland. What do you want to stay in Woodland for? The place (stinks). The newspaper there, I don't really get along with.
"I come from your town. You should embrace me. I play for the Boston Red Sox. You haven't had a lot of major leaguers come out of your city."
Woodland Vice Mayor Art Pimentel said he was "a little bit shocked" after being read the quotes from the magazine.
"I actually disagree with Dustin on his views of Woodland," Pimentel said. "I see Woodland as a place of opportunity for many people, certainly for its residents."
Woodland Mayor Marlin H. "Skip" Davies, who also learned of the quotes from a reporter Wednesday evening, said he hopes the comments won't reflect upon Pedroia's parents, Guy and Debbie, who have been active in the community and are owners of a Woodland tire store.
"His parents are good people," Davies said. "They're hard workers, they've done a lot for the community, and I like them too much to speak (ill) of Dustin.
"I am obviously disappointed in his comments. But we will continue to cherish him and his accomplishments regardless of what he said. Whatever issues Dustin has with Woodland will work themselves out."
Pedroia's parents could not be reached for comment.
Pedroia signed a six-year, $40.5 million contract during the offseason.
He was the 2007 A.L. Rookie of the Year with the Red Sox and earned a World Series ring that year.
Pedroia – who lives in Arizona with his wife, Kelli – and the Red Sox will visit the A's next week.
Call The Bee's Victor Contreras, (916) 326-5527.
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