18 replies to this topic

[Papo The Snow Tiger]

As stated on the main board Youk was a minor part of the first 25 and a major part of the second 25. He also may have came across as being an asshole, but he was OUR asshole. No one can ever say the dude gave nothing less than 100%. Here's wishing him well in Chacago.

[SoxLegacy]

While I think it was time for Youks and the Sox to part ways, I hope he does well in Chicago, except for meaningless at bats vs. the Red Sox from here on out. Thanks for some good memories, Youk!

[Jeff Frye]

Thanks for everything Youk. It was an honor to cheer for you during your time here. Hope this is a good change and he can be productive in Chicago.

[Tyrone Biggums]

Thanks Youk for 04 and 07!

[Solder]

Shamelessly copied from the game day thread.

I was lucky enough to be living in Portland when Youk came there in 2003, and was a season ticket holder that year and until July of 2004 (when I moved out of town after graduating).

Guy may have rubbed a lot of people the wrong way, but he fucking hustled his ass off and worked it every minute of the game.

He was cool enough to come out with a round of beers for people in the bleachers one night of a double header after being pulled in the 6th or 7th. Sat for 10 minutes and made small talk with the fans who were sticking it out and signed for people.

Also had beers with him at Brian Boru's in early 2004. Very cool guy, who REALLY loved talking baseball.

Thanks for the hustle and grit Youks. You earned the rings and you'll always be loved in Boston.

Forever one of the 25 (even though the best was yet to come)

[Sox-and-Bees]

I'll miss him and continue to root for him (as long as he never signs with the Yankees), other than in games against our Sox.

[guido57]

He will be missed.
Nothing but the best, Youk!

[tripleplay]

Bittersweet
Bitter he was
Sweet he is gone
Loved the exit today - class act from youk and fans
watching TBS guys look so lame when all the fans knew and they had no clue
Thanks for your part in 04 Youk - David is last idiot still standing

[rglenmt]

Tribute to Youk Took 7 year old Grandson to a Sea Dogs game Seat were first row behind 3B dugout When Youk finished taking grounders at 3B in pre-game practice, rather than go right to Dogs' dugout on 1B line, Youk came over talked with Grandson, signed a ball for him and wished him him well with baseball (now a HS catcher and 1B and a Sea Dog bat boy) Grandson was influenced by the 8 minutes Youk spent talking to him Youk did this all on his own, it was impressive as I have seen so many players walk by young fans like they are invisible Also met Youk's parents who were in Portland for Memorial Day games, their pride in Youk was obvious, but even more impressive the positive values they had taught Kevin, hope Youk continues to have a successful ML career as he worked as hard as any player I have seen to get to and stay in the MLs and I think has been more of a positive influence on Dustin Pedroia than we fans realize, both have overcome labels of not having enough speed and or perfect bodies, have not let labels stop them!

[alwyn96]

Youkilis has always been one of my favorites since the day he was called up - now that I think about it, I loved him in the minors, too. I fully expect he'll bounce back somewhat this year, and he could have a few more years left in him if he can play 1B or DH somewhere. The guy is too fragile for 3B at this point in his career, but if healthy I bet he could still hit for someone. I wish him all the best when he's not playing the Red Sox.

[Frank, Fenway]

Triple and a standing ovation, what a way to go out.

[OnBase]

I remember being sorry to see Mueller leave, Then as now, the new guy was ready, and I can only hope that this changing of the guard goes as well.

Thank you Kevin. From slapping air fives to the final triple, I enjoyed every at bat.

[betheriver]

I felt very frustrated in his early days that the Sox kept sending Youk back down, even though he seemed to produce whenever he was here. He was one of the deadliest RH bats in the league for a few years, and played GG defense at 2 positions. He provided flexibility for the Sox to sign Adrian Gonzalez. Had he not been so flexible, perhaps he is still our 1B and doesn't lose his job to Middlebrooks. I for one loved his reaction to called strike 3, as if there was no way possbile he would let a good pitch go by. He wasn't afraid to mix it up with Manny when everyone else sulked away. When the Sox signed him and Pedey, they were to be the cornerstones. It's a shame injuries depleted him, but to me it is a testament to how hard the guy plays every single day. The White Sox are a better team today, no matter what Youk produces for them. He will be missed.

[betheriver]

12 posts? That is pretty sad, considering all he's done...

[Minneapolis Millers]

I'll remember him best for completely destroying Cleveland in the 07 ALCS. .500 avg, 3 HR, 14 hits, 10 runs. Just a beast.

Of course, his wiki page quotes him thusly on his PT role in the World Series:

Dismissing questions as to whether he was upset about being benched for the last two games of the World Series, Youkilis said: "Move on and go to another team if you’re worried about your playing time, and think you deserve to play over somebody else."

If he'd maintained that team-first attitude this season, he'd still be wearing our laundry. Ultimately, sad to see him go. I don't think his tank is quite empty. But life goes on. Hope he plays well in Chicago, but not well enough to knock us out of the playoffs.

[etakbear]

Youk was one of my favorite players and while it was time to part ways, I'll always be grateful for his time here and will miss saying "YOUK!"

[alwyn96]

Youk was one of my favorite players and while it was time to part ways, I'll always be grateful for his time here and will miss saying "YOUK!"

You can always yell, "middle-BROOOOOOOOKS!"

Edited by alwyn96, 29 June 2012 - 12:14 PM.

[Coachster]

OPS of .534 with the White Sox so far. Small sample size (23 PA's) , but you know, maybe he actualy is done.

Just sayin'

[pdub]

Hope he has a great career from here on, not much else to say since it has all been covered already.