Youkilis(Red Sox Rookie) got a hoot out of initiation

[Champ]

TORONTO -- Anything but a one-game wonder, Kevin Youkilis followed his memorable debut Saturday (2 for 4 with a home run) by going 2 for 4 again yesterday as he tried to spare the Red Sox from a 3-1 loss to the Blue Jays at SkyDome. The rookie third baseman singled leading off the seventh and ninth innings, but the Sox were unable to capitalize.

Despite his effort, Youkilis found himself clad afterward in a skimpy Hooters ensemble as he joined Lenny DiNardo as victims of the team's annual rookie hazing. Sox veterans typically wait until the end of the season to dress the rookies in drag, but they apparently were enticed by the prospect of watching Youkilis and DiNardo pass through customs as Hooters girls.

In any case, Youkilis was thrilled simply to make the trip to Tampa Bay, where the Sox will open a three-game series tomorrow against the Devil Rays. Activated Saturday to fill in for Bill Mueller, who is sidelined with inflammation in his right knee, Youkilis knows the Sox could return him to Triple A Pawtucket at any time.

"I'm just here following orders," he said. "They haven't told me anything. I'm just going to go to Tampa, and if I'm in the lineup there, I'll go play the games."

http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/articles/2004/05/17/youkilis_got_a_hoot_out_of_initiation?pg=full

[MallRat]

1. Youkilis- what a debut!

Last year in AAA Pawtucket, he ran off a string of 71 consecutive games in which he reached base. A very disciplined hitter- he's ready for the big leagues.

[curse10]

2. Youkilis was awesome!

and he's kinda cute! :P