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.
