Kevin Youkilis

(1979- )

Considered one of the top young players in the Boston Red Sox organization, Youkilis was called up from AAA Pawtucket on May 15, 2004. That day, he became the seventh player in Red Sox history to hit a home run in his first big league game. Named AL Rookie of the Month in May despite playing only half the month, Youkilis has appeared in 42 games July 28. Boston has a record of 55-45 and in second place in the AL East as Youkilis is hitting .292 (38-130) with four HR, 20 RBI, and 26 runs scored. One of his teammates on Boston is outfielder Gabe Kapler.

In 2003, Youkilis had a combined 71-game on-base streak playing for AA Portland and AAA Pawtucket. Admiringly referred to as "The Greek God of Walks" by Oakland General Manager Billy Beane, Kevin possesses an excellent eye and superb strike-zone judgement, drawing an abundance of walks against few strikeouts. A line-drive hitter who effectively hits pitches into the gaps, Youkilis is a good baserunner and a solid defensive third baseman.

One of the greatest players in the history of Conference USA, Youkilis played for the University of Cincinnati. A two-time All-America, he had 53 career home runs (first in school history) and 313 career hits (second) while leading the team to a school record 35 wins in 2000 (they had 34 wins in 2001). A first team All-conference selection, Kevin finished his career in the top ten in conference history in hits (313 - fifth), home runs (53 - fourth), runs (279 - second), total bases (536 - fifth), runs batted in (203 - ninth), and doubles (58 - eighth).

In 2001, he was selected in the eighth round of the Major League Baseball amateur draft by the Boston Red Sox. He began that season at class A Lowell and hit .317 (58-183) in 59 games. The following season, he began at class A Augusta before being promoted to Sarasota (A) and then Trenton (AA), where he hit a scorching .344 in 44 games.

In 2003, Youkilis began the season at AA Portland where he hit a rousing .327 (102-312) in 94 games. On August 1, he was promoted to AAA Pawtucket, where he continued his on-base streak. Considered Boston's starting third baseman of the future, Kevin is one of the most admired Red Sox prospects to appear in many years.