TicketsYoukilis Named AL Rookie of the Month
Former UC star honored by Major League Baseball
Contact: Shawn Sell
6/3/2004
CINCINNATI, Ohio---After an outstanding first month of his Major League career, former University of Cincinnati baseball star and current Boston Red Sox third baseman Kevin Youkilis has been honored as the American League's Rookie of the Month for May.
In just 13 games during the month, Youkilis batted .318, while scoring 15 runs and hitting four doubles. He also drove in seven runs and picked up the first homer of his career in his Major League debut at Toronto.
"It's been amazing (playing for Boston)," Youkilis said. "The guys have been so supportive. Helping out this team to get to first place or remain in first place, that's the biggest thing. Coming out here and enjoying myself and also winning, that's the best thing ever."
Youkilis joined the Red Sox on May 15 to fill the hole caused by the injury to Boston's starting third baseman Bill Mueller. He was recalled from Pawtucket where he was hitting .268 with 10 doubles, three home runs and 12 RBI in 28 games.
Youkilis, a graduate of Cincinnati?s Sycamore High School, became the first UC player to reach the majors since George Glinatsis played for the Seattle Mariners in 1994. A 2001 eighth round draft pick of the Red Sox, Youkilis ended his Cincinnati career holding several school records, including most home runs, runs scored and hits in a career.
(Portions of this story were taken from MLB.com writer Ian Browne).