Boston Red Sox Icon Kevin Youkilis Retires From MLB

Oct 15, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; A Boston Red Sox hat and glove on the field prior to game three of the American League Championship Series baseball game against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 15, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; A Boston Red Sox hat and glove on the field prior to game three of the American League Championship Series baseball game against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Former Boston Red Sox third baseman Kevin Youkilis has retired from MLB.

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You never want to see any player hobble around in their final year of professional baseball, let alone with one like the pedigree of Kevin Youkilis. But that’s exactly what happened to the former All-Star as he battled numerous injuries towards the back end of his career.

Unable to deal with the daily grind of the game, Kevin Youkilis has decided to retire from Major League Baseball.

While Youkilis ends his career with the New York Yankees where he spent just one injury riddled season, the former 8th round pick well be best remembered during his time in Beantown with the Boston Red Sox.

An Ohio native, Kevin Youkilis spent portions of nine seasons with the Red Sox where he amassed a career batting average of .281 and clobbered 150 home runs. His best season came in 2008 where he was in contention for the American League MVP award after hitting .312 with 29 home runs and 115 RBI.

Statistically Kevin Youkilis wouldn’t normally knock your socks off but he was a gritty, hard nosed player who gave every ounce of effort that he had. More importantly, not only did he play ever game as if it was his last but he routinely came up with big hit after big hit for the Boston Red Sox in the clutch.

He became somewhat of a icon for the franchise, especially given the success the Boston Red Sox achieved during the height of Kevin Youkilis’ career.

Youk finishes his career with three All-Star selections, two World Series rings, a Hank Aaron award and a Gold Glove award. Not too shabby of a resume.

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