Jason Varitek is a former American baseball player who played as a catcher for the Boston Red Sox for over a decade. He was born on April 11, 1972, in Rochester, Michigan, and attended Georgia Tech, where he played college baseball.
Varitek was drafted by the Seattle Mariners in the first round of the 1994 Major League Baseball draft. He made his debut with the Mariners in 1997 but was traded to the Boston Red Sox in 1997.
Varitek quickly became a fan favorite in Boston, known for his leadership and work ethic. He was named team captain in 2005, becoming the first Red Sox player to hold the title since Jim Rice in 1989.
Varitek was a two-time All-Star, winning the honor in 2003 and 2008. He was also a Gold Glove winner in 2005 and a Silver Slugger winner in 2005 and 2007.
Varitek was a key player in the Red Sox's 2004 World Series championship, hitting .296 with two home runs and nine RBIs in the postseason. He also played a pivotal role in the team's 2007 championship, hitting .250 with two home runs and six RBIs in the postseason.
Varitek retired from baseball in 2011 after 15 seasons in the major leagues, all with the Red Sox. He finished his career with a .256 batting average, 193 home runs, and 757 RBIs.
After retiring, Varitek joined the Red Sox front office as a special assistant to the general manager. He also served as a coach for the United States team in the 2017 World Baseball Classic.
Overall, Jason Varitek was a highly respected and accomplished player during his baseball career. He was known for his leadership, work ethic, and ability to handle pitchers, and he played a key role in the Red Sox's two World Series championships.
⚾