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April 26, 2008
By Joe McDonald
Journal Sports Writer
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. _ Kevin Youkilis made history Saturday night.
The Red Sox first baseman has recorded 1,701 consecutive chances without making an error to pass Stuffy McInnis (1921-22) for the all-time record in that category. Earlier this season Youkilis broke Steve Garvey’s record for consecutive games without an error with 193 and he now has 205 games without a miscue.
Youkilis was quite humble regarding his record due to the fact the Red Sox lost their fourth straight game with a 2-1 defeat to the Rays at Tropicana Field.
“I didn’t even know when I did it,” he said. “I just go out there and play the game; it’s not a big deal to me. Winning ballgames is the biggest part of my concern right now. We need to get this team back on track.”
Even Red Sox manager Terry Francona was concentrating more on the team’s performance Saturday.
“I knew he was approaching it,” Francona said. “I only reason I do know is because (travel secretary) Jack McCormick came running down because MLB wanted the balls. The ball that tied it, Youk flipped into the stands. You’re in a one-run game and not really paying attention to it, but I was aware of it.”
Entering tonight's game Youkilis was nine shy of the mark, but his 10 chances against Tampa gave him the record.
“The whole time this has been happening, I didn’t really know until people have told me,” he said. Garvey’s record “in Oakland, I knew about that one, but that was it. Hopefully that’s it. Are there any more? I’ll just keep throwing the balls into the stands. It’s better if I don’t know.”
Posted by Joe McDonald 
at 11:09 PM | Permalink
