Kevin Youkilis, who was hosting a charitable event at The Atrium Mall in Chestnut Hill today, was more excited to see a teammate win the MVP award than he was disappointed not to get it.

Youkilis described his third-place finish in the MVP voting as “an honor,” particularly because he is close with both Pedroia and second-place finisher Justin Morneau of the Twins.

“I had a feeling I’d be third or fourth,” said Youkilis. “(Winning the MVP) is not a big deal to me. It’s one of those things where I don’t think I ever really thought I was going to be the MVP. Next thing you know, my name was in the running.”

“It’s great just to have an MVP from the Boston Red Sox,” he added. “I think, with the great team we’ve had over the years – I know Manny and David were in the running a couple of times, it’s good just to have a teammate finally win the MVP.”

It seemed particularly appropriate that the Red Sox first baseman and second baseman were so closely paired in MVP balloting. The two are cut from a very similar cloth, players who overcame doubts about their athleticism and physical appearance to reach elite levels.

Both have shown remarkable drive and intensity on the field on their way to achieving excellence.

“We’ve always had the heart and determination to become great players,” said Youkilis. “It came full circle this year when we were playing alongside each other in the All-Star game. That was unbelievable—to be able to start next to each other in the All-Star game—and then all of the stuff going on now with the MVP race. It’s an amazing thing. To do it with teammates is a great thing.”

Of course, Youkilis is mindful of the remarkable amount of shiny hardware that his team has amassed. And he couldn’t be happier for the 25-year-old.

“(Pedroia) has all these awards now,” Youkilis said. “He needs to build a trophy room to add on because he has gold (a Gold Glove), silver (a Silver Slugger award) and now the MVP. He has a lot of stuff to put on his mantle so that will be great.”