Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. announced today the signing of Red Sox Second Baseman and 2008 American League MVP Dustin Pedroia as cover athlete for "MLB 09 The Show," according to the PR Newswire.

"Dustin Pedroia has made a tremendous impact on an already storied Boston Red Sox organization and was an integral part to their 2007 World Series victory," said Scott A. Steinberg , Vice President, Product Marketing, SCEA. "We are excited to have him become part of our MLB franchise, represent MLB 09 The Show, and join the impressive roster of MLB stars who have served as previous cover athletes."

This past season, Pedroia was the first second baseman in nearly half a century to be named the AL MVP by hitting .326 with 17 home runs, 83 runs batted in, and 118 runs scored. He is the 10th player in the history of the Red Sox to capture the AL MVP and the 8th player in AL history to win the MVP, Gold Glove, and Silver Slugger awards in the same season. With his scrappy and aggressive approach, Pedroia has quickly become a fan favorite at Fenway Park, a truly historic and treasured stadium in one of baseball’s most passionate cities.

As the newest representative of SCEA’s baseball franchise and face of MLB 09 The Show, Pedroia’s duties include participation in the game’s motion capture process, A.I. consultation, integration into all facets of the marketing campaign, and spokesperson for the franchise. The latest installment from the best-selling MLB franchise game is due to hit stores in Spring 2009 as the only officially licensed first party software title exclusively for PLAYSTATION(R)3 (PS3(TM)), PSP(R) (PlayStation(R)Portable), and PlayStation(R)2.