In the midst of the vibrant 2000s era, it’s often overlooked how Kevin Youkilis embarked on his journey with the Red Sox, a three-time All-Star. Drafted by Boston in 2001 in the eighth round, he made his Major League Baseball debut in 2004, a monumental year etched in the memories of Red Sox fans globally. Hailing from Cincinnati, he appeared in 72 games as a rookie for the team that clinched the World Series title, breaking Boston’s nearly nine-decade-long championship drought.
The Gold Glove-winning infielder was surrounded by some of baseball’s best when he reached the game’s highest level. Youkilis was able to take a front-row seat to watch dazzling outings from Pedro Martinez and Curt Schilling, and he joined a batting order that featured the likes of legendary sluggers David Ortiz and Manny Ramirez.
However, according to Youkilis in the recent episode of NESN’s “310 To Left” podcast, the greatness of the 2004 Red Sox team wasn’t solely attributed to its superstars. Boston also had underrated players like Bill Mueller and Mark Bellhorn, alongside seasoned veterans like Ellis Burks, who offered invaluable wisdom and guidance to the club throughout their journey.
From blasting his first MLB homer and receiving the patented silent treatment in Toronto to popping champagne bottles in St. Louis in October, it was a season for the ages for Youkilis. The NESN Red Sox color commentator recalled some of his favorite memories from that season in the video above.
