Inspired by Nate Robinson’s decisive Eastern Conference Game 6 performance, which I (semi-tongue-in-cheek) think was, in turn, inspired by the lingering memory of the late Gary Coleman, TDI brings you a short list of little guys that have accomplished big things in Boston sports. (The first four guys that came to mind were from Boston, so I figured I’d round it out with another). I hate every team associated with Boston, so I'm not quite sure why I am writing this. I guess little people just touch you in funny ways…just ask Katie Holmes.

All Tom Cruise jokes aside, at least I get a chance to take a jab or two at some of these guys....

5. Nate Robinson – Official Height: 5’9” (Actual Height: ~5’8”)

We'll start off with number 5 on the list, but definitely my favorite. He hasn't yet proven himself to be of the same caliber of the rest of the players on the list, but his role as a momentum changer on Friday night and his really cool middle name put him in the conversation. Nathaniel Cornelius Robinson, of Slam Dunk fame, and formerly one of the only bright spots on the dismal New York Knicks was certainly strokin’ in different ways last night – from beyond the arc, off one foot, and even almost over Dwight Howard. It was as if the ghost of Gary Coleman possessed him and brought a new energy to the floor both offensively and defensively. In fact, according to Robinson’s former Huskies teammate forward Mike Jensen, the guys used to call him Gary Coleman in the locker room.

I was surprised that Nate Robinson was pretty much completely out of Doc River’s rotation once he arrived in Boston. But, Doc couldn’t have been more accurate when he said after the trade, “Nate is…going to win a playoff game for us.”

4. Dustin Pedroia – Official Height: 5’9” (Actual Height: ~5’7”)

This little fellow carries a big stick and swings it pretty damn well. And he was AL Rookie of the Year in 2007, AL MVP in 2008, and won a Gold Glove in 2009. And the Red Sox are my least favorite team in sports, so I will respectfully abstain from giving Dustin anymore praise. Don't blame me, even people in Boston don't like him.

3. Doug Flutie – Official Height: 5’10”           

I detest myself for putting him on this list because of his instrumental role in my second least favorite, yet still miraculous, play in the history of college football (least favorite, of course, being when Ohio State stole the Fiesta Bowl from Miami after the referee decided four seconds after the play that he wanted the Buckeyes to win).  Then again, I would be hard pressed to argue with his Heisman Trophy and Davey O’Brien Award. And, as John Madden said, “inch for inch, Flutie was the best quarterback of his generation.”

2. Wes Welker – Official Height: 5’9”           

This guy is an athlete built out of pure hard work and dedication. A special teams stud at Texas Tech who evolved into a top NFL player despite not being drafted holds Miami records for returns and is the only receiver in NFL history to record at least 110 receptions in three consecutive seasons. Welker’s success has emphasized the impact that a great slot receiver can have and nowadays, when you think slot receiver, you think Wes Welker.

Welker serves as an inspiration to aspiring young athletes everywhere, and not just short ones. People look at him and wonder, “Why not me?” Several of my friends have tossed out the idea that if they were groomed to play football their whole lives, they too could be in the NFL. They’re wrong. But, that doesn’t negate the lesson that Welker’s case teaches to young athletes: Passion, hard work, and dedication breed success.

1. Pedro Martinez – Official Height: 5’11 (Actual Height: ~5’9”)

Three-time Cy Young Awards, 3,000 career strikeouts, and one WWF throw-down of an old defenseless man. Although there are some great short pitchers in the history of baseball, Pedro is unique in his accomplishments because he is unusually small for a power pitcher. In his prime, his success was predicated on sheer power. His overwhelming velocity stifled opponents when it mattered most…except when he was up against his Daddy.