Tek

Jason Varitek is what I want a Red Sox player to be. He is a gritty plater who is solid defensively, and every once in a while picks up a big hit when it matters (see Game 6 2008 ALCS).

Tek endeared himself to me during the parade after the 2004 triumph. He looked me in the eye and pointed at me in the same way all the idiots pointed during the postseason run. This is when Varitek went from veteran catcher to team leader. The connection we made brought me into the championship, and brought Tek into the fans’ hearts.

Over the last 11 years Varitek has become a symbol of the Red Sox. When he came to the Red Sox with Derek Lowe, a mini youth movement took place in Boston. Nomar, Lowe, Tek, and Trot would be with the Red Sox as they made the ALCS in 1999 and 2003. Varitek caught the first Red Sox no hitter in 36 years with Hideo Nomo in 2001, and would be behind the plate for 3 more, setting a MLB record.

Varitek earned the “C” on his chest. He is the type of player who cuffs his pants high, puts some eye black on, rocks a bead, and does his job day in and day out. He’s meant everything to the Red Sox, and the Red Sox have meant everything to him. If you think Jason doesn’t want to come back to Boston, watch this video.

Hopefully agent Scott Boras doesn’t keep the Red Sox from finding a way to let Tek close out his career in Boston.