SPORTS |
| Bearcat alum in the big leagues |
| by John Bach |
| UC |  |
| Former Bearcat Kevin
Youkilis |
Former Bearcat Kevin Youkilis, a 2001 eighth-round
draft pick by the Boston Red Sox, made quite the rookie splash when he
got the call to replace the injured Bill Mueller at third base.
The one-time University of Cincinnati star announced his presence May
15, 2004, by homering for his first major-league hit in his second big-league
at-bat. After the smash, Youkilis pointed to his parents behind the dugout
who had flown into Toronto from Cincinnati that morning. Once he made
it back to the dugout, his prankster teammates, apparently at the urging
of ace Pedro Martinez, sat motionless instead of congratulating him. Youkilis
feigned high-fives anyway.
It didn't take long, however, for his teammates to fully embrace Youkilis,
particularly after he was named the American League Rookie of the Month
in May. In just 13 games, he batted .318, while scoring 15 runs and hitting
four doubles and one home run.
Kevin first received national attention a year earlier when he reached
base safely in a record-tying 71 consecutive minor-league games. He has
also become known for his ability to draw walks -- a reputation that may
well stick considering last year's best-seller, "Moneyball,"
dubbed him the "Greek God of Walks."
Youkilis is the first Bearcat to reach the majors since George Glinatsis
pitched for the Seattle Mariners in 1994. He is considered one of the
top prospects in the Red Sox system.
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