Youkilis named recipient of Hank Aaron Award by Mike Ghika
Hardware given annually to most outstanding offensive performer

What a trail Kevin Youkilis has left behind.

Coming off the bench for Terry Francona's 2004 championship squad, did Sox fans really think the All-Star and one-time Gold Glove winner would become this vital to the team's success?

Now, along with his Gold Glove, his 2008 All-Star selection, and two world championship rings, Youkilis can say he has received a Hank Aaron award as well. The award, given to the Cubs' Aramis Ramirez in the National League, signifies each league's most outstanding offensive performer each season. Fans have the ability to vote for their choice online, and more than 230,000 casted ballots this year.

For the 29-year-old Youkilis, the experience was surreal.

"I don't think I could ever compare myself to Hank Aaron in any way," he said. "I'll never see myself at that level. So to win this award, I'm a little humbled by it."

In addition to Youkilis's offensive production, his Gold Glove caliber defense at both first and third base will also play into the number of MVP votes Youkilis will receive after the conclusion of the World Series. As far as his offense goes for this season, his .312 average, 29 home runs, 43 doubles, 115 RBIs, .569 slugging percentage, and .390 on-base percentage clearly warranted the recognition he has received in earning the Aaron award.

Youkilis, however, did have to travel to Philadelphia at the site of the Fall Classic to receive the hardware, which of course was something he was not excited about.

"It's a little tough," he said. "When I heard the news it was, 'I get to go to the World Series,' which isn't great for me, but to win this award is a great honor."

For the record, Youkilis did not stay and attend the game between the Rays and Phillies.

Published on October 28, 2008

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