NEW YORK — Boston little man Dustin Pedroia won the AL MVP award Tuesday, becoming the first second baseman to earn the honor in nearly a half-century.

Pedroia easily beat out Minnesota slugger Justin Morneau and added to his ever-expanding trophy case — generously listed at 5-foot-9, the Red Sox star was the top AL rookie last year while winning a World Series ring.

Nellie Fox was the last second baseman to become AL MVP, in 1959 with the White Sox.

Pedroia drew 16 of the 28 first-place votes cast by members of the Baseball Writers' Association of America and finished with 317 points.

It was a scattered ballot, with five players receiving first-place votes. Pedroia was even left off one ballot — Morneau and Boston first baseman Kevin Youkilis were listed on every one.

Morneau got seven first-place votes and had 257 points. Youkilis and Twins catcher Joe Mauer each got a pair of first-place votes. Record-setting closer Francisco Rodriguez of the Angels drew the other first-place nod and came in sixth.

Pedroia led the AL in hits, runs and doubles in helping the Red Sox win the AL wild-card berth. He batted .326 with 17 home runs and 83 RBIs and also stole 20 bases.

Pedroia quickly became a fan favorite at Fenway Park with his meaty swings and gritty approach. This year, in a lineup depleted with injuries to David Ortiz and Mike Lowell and the midseason trade of Manny Ramirez, Pedroia took his hearty hacks at the plate wherever needed — while he usually batted second, he also hit leadoff and cleanup.