July 20, 2004
ORLANDO - UCF sophomore right-handed pitcher Kyle Bono has signed a professional contract with the Boston Red Sox and will report to the Lowell Spinners in the New York-Penn League. Bono, an eighth-round draft selection of the Red Sox in the 2004 Major League Baseball Draft, was a draft eligible sophomore following his All-America season in 2004.
"It was a big decision because I loved playing at UCF for Coach Bergman and Coach Cozart," commented Bono. "Still, this is the right time for me to join the Red Sox and my goal is to reach the Major Leagues one day."
Bono had a rapid rise from a high school senior at Lake Mary High School, where he was used out of the bullpen as a part-time pitcher and full-time third baseman. In two seasons with the Golden Knights, Bono finished with a 12-4 career record and 1.66 ERA in 130.0 innings of work.
"It's a credit to Kyle to his makeup and work ethic," stated UCF pitching coach/recruiting coordinator Craig Cozart on Bono's quick trip to the pros. "His greatest asset is his makeup on the mound. When you put that together with a guy who works the way Kyle does, you see the results. We wish him the best in his professional career."
Cozart has quickly established himself as one of the top pitching coaches in the nation. During his eight-year tenure at UCF, 20 Golden Knights have been drafted under his watch, including two first round selections.
Bono smashed the UCF career record of ERA, formally held by Jason Arnold (1998-01) with a 2.38 ERA. Arnold was an All-American and second round pick of the New York Yankees in the 2001 Major League Draft.
Bono totaled 150 strikeouts and just 89 hits allowed over his career, and opponents hit just .192 off the right-hander. He ended his career with four saves, which placed him in a tie for eighth in school history. Bono also totaled five shutouts in his career, which is tied for first in school history.
Bono's 2004 season was one of the best in school history. He finished the year 8-2 with a 1.94 ERA and was named a second team All-American by USA Today/Sports Weekly. He tallied six complete games and five shutouts in 97.1 innings of work with 107 strikeouts and 29 walks.
"It's a big goal and has always been my dream to pitch in the pros," added Bono.