University of Connecticut Athletics
Mike Leonard Signs With Boston Red Sox
6/18/2004 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
STORRS, CT (June 18) — University of Connecticut catcher Mike Leonard (Vernon, CT) has signed a free agent contract with the Boston Red Sox and will begin his career with the Red Sox organization’s Gulf Coast League team (short-season class A), which plays at City of Palms Park in Fort Myers, Fla.
Leonard finished up a stellar four-year Husky career in May with a .316 career batting average with15 home runs and 118 RBI in 177 contests for UConn. He was honored as a second-team All-BIG EAST selection behind the plate in 2003. Prior to UConn, he was named the Gatorade Connecticut Player of the Year, leading Rockville High School to the state Class L Championship.
Leonard joins fellow 2004 UConn teammate Mike James in the Red Sox system. James, a right-handed relief pitcher, was drafted by Boston in the 28th round and assigned to the Lowell Spinners of the class A New York-Penn League. James could potentially make his professional debut tonight as the Spinners open their 2004 season at home this evening against the Tri-City Valley Cats (Houston) at LeLacheur Park.
In other UConn baseball news, head coach Jim Penders announced that incoming National Letter of Intent signee Gabe Suarez will not be joining the Huskies. Suarez was selected in the 26th round of the MLB Draft by Montreal out of South Mountain Junior College in Phoenix. The shortstop will sign with the Expos.
