Dec. 16, 2009

ARLINGTON, Texas - Former UT Arlington Maverick John Lackey was labeled as one of the top free agents heading into the off-season, and it has been announced the right-handed ace has found his next home agreeing to a five-year, $85 million deal with the Boston Red Sox.

Lackey began his collegiate career at UT Arlington in 1998, when he batted .306 with one home run, made 11 appearances on the mound, including four as a starter, while going 1-3 and playing in a total of 43 games during the season.

He is coming off his seventh straight season winning at least 10 games, going 11-8 with a 3.83 ERA in 176.1 innings (27 starts) in 2009. He guided the Angels to their fifth American League West crown in the last six years this past season while picking up his third career post-season victory with 7.1 shutout innings against the Red Sox in Game 1 of the ALDS.

Lackey's most impressive season came in 2007 when he went 19-9 with a 3.01 ERA (led A.L.) and was named to his first career All-Star Game. Lackey joins just his second professional team after completing his eighth season with the Los Angeles Angels. Lackey made his big-league debut with the Halos on June 24, 2002.

Lackey is among eight former Mavericks who are currently with an MLB organization at the big-league level as a player, coach or manager.

Current Active Major League UT Arlington Alums:
Steve Foster (1987-88) - Kansas City Royals (bullpen coach)
Trey Hillman (1982-85) - Kansas City Royals (manager)
John Lackey (1998) - Boston Red Sox (starting pitcher)
Mark Lowe (2002-04) - Seattle Mariners (relief pitcher)
Adam Moore (2006) - Seattle Mariners (catcher)
Dave Owen (1977-79) - Kansas City Royals (3rd base coach)
Hunter Pence (2003-04) - Houston Astros (player)
Ryan Roberts (2002-03) - Arizona Diamondbacks (player)