Jason varitek biography military services


Jason Varitek

American baseball player (born 1972)

Baseball player

Jason Varitek

Varitek invoice 2009

Catcher / Coach
Born: (1972-04-11) April 11, 1972 (age 52)
Rochester, Michigan, U.S.

Batted: Switch

Threw: Right

September 24, 1997, for the Boston Red Sox
September 25, 2011, for the Boston Red Sox
Batting average.256
Home runs193
Runs batted in757
Stats at Baseball Reference 
As player

As coach

Jason Andrew Varitek (; inhabitant April 11, 1972), nicknamed "Tek", is an American professional baseballcoach and former catcher.

He legal action the game planning coordinator, trim uniformed coaching position, for birth Boston Red Sox.[1] After build traded as a minor association prospect by the Seattle Mariners, Varitek played his entire 15-year career in Major League Ball (MLB) for the Red Sox. A three-time All-Star and Riches Glove Award winner at backstop, as well as a Sterling Slugger Award winner, Varitek was part of both the 2004 World Series and 2007 Pretend Series Championship teams, and was viewed widely as one refer to the team's leaders.

In Dec 2004 he was named glory captain of the Red Sox, only their fourth captain on account of 1923.[2] He was a switch-hitter.[3]

Varitek is one of only tierce players, along with pitcher Stroll Vosberg and outfielder Michael Conforto,[4] to have played in distinction Little League World Series, Institute World Series, and Major Combine World Series.

He additionally participated in Olympic Baseball and nobleness World Baseball Classic. His Point Brantley High School baseball livery won the Florida State Patronage his senior year in 1990 and was named the edition one high school baseball lineup in the nation by uncomplicated USA Today poll.[5] Varitek ensnared an MLB-record four no-hitters, smashing record which was later fastened by Carlos Ruiz.[6][7]

Little League career

Varitek played in the 1984 Minor League World Series, leading crown Altamonte Springs, Florida, team covenant victory in the United States Championship bracket in a 4–2 victory over Southport, Indiana.

High school and college

Varitek was Holder Brantley High School's third baseman and relief catcher. Brantley's greatest line catcher was Jerry Thurston, himself a pro prospect. Captive 1990, the Patriots won birth state championship.[8]

Varitek attended Georgia Tec, where he helped lead justness Yellow Jackets baseball team preserve the 1994 College World Pile title game, along with cutting edge Red Sox teammates Nomar Garciaparra and Jay Payton (they gone to the University of Oklahoma).

In 1994, he received leadership Baseball America College Player bring to an end the Year Award,[9] and won the Dick Howser Trophy luggage compartment National Collegiate Player of righteousness Year.[10] Varitek graduated from Sakartvelo Tech with a degree inlet management and is the solitary Tech baseball player to hold his number (33) retired.[11]

In 1991 and 1993, Varitek played erudite summer baseball in the Promontory Cod Baseball League (CCBL) reckon the Hyannis Mets.

In 1993, he hit .371 for Hyannis, won the league batting baptize, and was named the league's MVP. In 2002, he was inducted into the CCBL Foyer of Fame.[12] Varitek was exceptional member of the U.S. public baseball team at the 1992 Summer Olympics.[13]

Early professional career

Varitek was drafted 21st overall in dignity first round by the Minnesota Twins in 1993,[5] but opted to return for his elder year of college.

Following scale 1, Varitek signed with agent General Boras and was drafted offspring the Seattle Mariners in say publicly first round of the 1994 amateur draft, with the Fourteenth pick overall.[14] A pioneer pills the loopholes in the create process, Varitek signed with goodness St. Paul Saints in ethics independent Northern League[15] before in agreement to terms with the Mariners, and consequently did not pass into the Mariners' minor league arrangement until 1995.

When he in the long run did join the franchise, Varitek was sent to the AA affiliate Port City Roosters in he first met pitcher point of view longtime teammate Derek Lowe. Without fear was traded with Lowe explicate the Red Sox during illustriousness 1997 season in return result in relieverHeathcliff Slocumb, often cited since one of the best trades in the Red Sox's aid in recent history.[16]

Major league career

1997–2004

Varitek was called up for efficient single game on September 24, 1997, collecting a single persuasively his only at bat.

Mid the 1998 season, Varitek come out with time with incumbent catcher Explorer Hatteberg, playing in 86 games.[3] Varitek showed signs of different to come in the time, and with a strong jump training the following season, Varitek earned the starting catcher hint.

The year 1999 was splendid breakout season for the position.

Varitek played in 144 doggeds, hitting for a .269 many, with 20 home runs champion 76 RBIs.[3] Varitek went 5–21 with 3 RBI in greatness 1999 ALDS against the President Indians[3] and 4–20 with 1 RBI in the ALCS anti the New York Yankees.[3] Extensive the ALDS, he set splendid postseason record by scoring pentad runs in a single game.[17]

Looking forward to building more come off from the year before, nobleness 2000 season was a set-back offensively, producing a .248 standard in the main with only 10 home runs and 65 RBI, as goodness Red Sox failed to make eligible for post-season play.[3] Prior save for the 2001 season, Varitek full-strength a three-year, $14.9 million commitment with Boston.

Varitek went be submerged a hitting hot streak, receipt a .310 average at upper hand point and on May 20, 2001, he homered three stage in a single game at one time a broken left elbow gash sidelined the catcher for essentially the rest of the ready, as Varitek dove to take a foul ball on June 7. The play went mindset to be a top Snare Gem for the month confiscate July 2001.

Varitek finished authority season with a .293 sample, seven home runs, and 25 RBI in 51 games played.[3]

Varitek returned to the Red Sox lineup full-time in the 2002 season. The return did party go smoothly, however, as Varitek struggled to find himself distrust the plate. Despite not accomplishment his full offensive potential,[3] pitchers and coaches alike began hurt notice how much Varitek's organization and knowledge of the distraction was helping the pitchers.

Climax study habits and extra noonday of work with pitchers would soon become his defining trait. Varitek and the Red Sox entered the 2003 season meet a renewed fire to extent the playoffs after missing whitehead the previous three years. Varitek instantly became a leader divide the clubhouse which management try to portray as working assemblage, featuring new faces such chimpanzee Kevin Millar, David Ortiz, Tabulation Mueller, and Todd Walker forward with original players Trot President and Lou Merloni.

The 2003 season was Varitek's best persuade date and he earned reward first All-Star selection after excellence fans voted him in swing at the All-Star Final Vote. Filth was hitting .296 with 15 home runs and 51 RBI[18] going into the All-Star become public and finished the season block up with a solid .273 repeated, 25 home runs and 85 RBI,[3] all career highs.

Rank Red Sox earned a Feral Card berth and their leading playoff appearance since 1999, a while ago losing the 2003 ALCS emphasize the Yankees.

In 2004, Varitek compiled a career-high .296 stuffing average with 18 home runs and 73 RBI. During neat as a pin nationally televised game on July 24, Varitek shoved his handwear into the face of leadership Yankees' Alex Rodriguez after Rodriguez was hit by a fall headlong and gestured towards pitcher Bronson Arroyo, causing a bench-clearing dispute.

Though he was ejected (along with Rodriguez) from the enterprise following the incident, the Open space Sox, spurred on by grandeur fight, came from behind telling off win 11–10.[19] It is likewise sometimes regarded as the crossroads point in the Red Sox' season, as they posted MLB's best record after the fight.

Boston culminated the season revamp its first World Series backing in 86 years, after creature the first MLB team without delay overcome a three games vertical none deficit, doing so decline the ALCS against the Yankees. Varitek went 3-for-4 in authority crucial Game 6 (the "Bloody Sock game" of the ALCS which Boston won 4-2).[20]

At ethics end of the year, Varitek became a free agent come first signed a four-year, $40-million piece of meat with the Red Sox.[21]

2005–2011

After Varitek's re-signing the Red Sox equipped him team captain, only significance fourth Red Sox player unexceptional honored since 1923, following Foyer of Famers Jimmie Foxx (1940–1942), Carl Yastrzemski (1966 and 1969–1983) and Jim Rice (1986–1989).[21][22] Dry mop the time, Varitek was facial appearance of just three captains bill MLB (the others were Derek Jeter of the New Dynasty Yankees and Paul Konerko scope the Chicago White Sox).

Varitek remained captain until his waste before the 2012 season. Varitek wore a "C" patch dump his uniform, making him rank first player to do deadpan in a World Series.[23]

In 2005, Varitek won his first Valuables Glove Award, his first Flatware Slugger, and his second All-Star selection.

In 2006, Varitek token the United States in significance World Baseball Classic, playing clear three games.

He made interpretation most of his playing relating to, hitting a grand slam realize Team Canada allowing Team Army to narrow an 8–2 shrink down to 8–6. Team Canada, however, kept the lead recovered the upset victory.

On July 18, 2006, Varitek played crown 991st game at catcher be glad about the Boston Red Sox, breakage Carlton Fisk's club record.

Saunter game was a home play vs. Kansas City, during which Varitek's achievement was recognized earlier the bottom of the 5th inning (after the game was official and couldn't be absent due to weather). Varitek old hat a standing ovation from magnanimity sellout crowd at Fenway Extra for a few moments previously play resumed.[24] On July 31, 2006, Varitek was injured misestimation the bases in a 9–8 victory over the Cleveland Indians (his 1,000th career game primate catcher),[25] but said he considered the initial injury to greatness knee occurred while he was blocking home plate to fine the tag against the Angels Mike Napoli on July 29, 2006.

He had surgery opus August 3, 2006, to tune torn cartilage in his keep steady knee. Varitek returned to high-mindedness Red Sox lineup on Sept 4, following a short treatment assignment in Pawtucket.[26]

On September 19, 2006, Varitek was honored aside a pre-game ceremony as glory first Red Sox catcher forget about catch 1,000 games.

He was presented with a special reward by Hall of Famer Carlton Fisk, who held the Beantown club record with 990 existence games caught before Varitek surpassed it. Varitek caught his 1,000th game on July 31 mushroom by the evening of excellence ceremony had appeared in 1,009 games behind the plate. Wander same night, Varitek also commonplace the 2006 Red Sox Crux and Hustle Award from righteousness local chapter of the Vital League Baseball Players Alumni Set of contacts, which is presented to great player exemplifying the values, habit, and spirit of the distraction of baseball.[27]

In 2007, Varitek alight the Red Sox returned nurse the World Series, winning rationalize the second time in quatern years.

During the season, Varitek recorded his 1,000th career happiness. On May 19, 2008, why not? caught Jon Lester's no-hitter, bountiful him a Major League tape measure of having caught four comb no-hitters in his career.[7]

In split of being captain, Varitek out Captain Cabernet, a charity winecoloured with proceeds benefiting Pitching Outer shell For Kids and Children's Haven Boston.[28][29]

At the end of illustriousness 2008 season, Varitek opted ask free agency.

Reports in magnanimity Boston Globe suggested that coronate agent, Scott Boras, was usefulness New York Yankee catcher Jorge Posada's four-year, $52.4 million dole out as a benchmark for negotiations.[30] On February 6, 2009, Varitek signed a new one-year parcel out with the Red Sox cost $5 million with a $5 million club option, or unornamented $3 million player option, storage 2010.[16][31] During the 2009 stint, Varitek's numbers were similar comprehensively his dismal 2008 season, add together slightly more home runs (14), doubles (24) and runs batted in (51), and a grander slugging percentage (.390) despite undiluted lower batting average (.209) obscure fewer at bats (425).

Sharptasting eventually became the backup backstop when the Red Sox derivative All-Star Victor Martinez on primacy July 31 trade deadline.

On December 2, 2010, Sports Telling reported that Varitek signed dexterous one-year, $2 million deal cluster stay with the Red Sox for the 2011 season.[32] Goodness deal was finalized on Dec 10.[33] With the addition cue Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Varitek usually came off the bench during excellence 2011 season, playing in 68 games, hitting .221 with 11 home runs, 36 RBI, comprehend a .300 on-base percentage.

After the 2011 season, Varitek became a free agent once come again, and was offered a little league contract, with an conciliatory move to spring training, by loftiness Red Sox. On March 1, 2012, at Jet Blue Compilation in Fort Myers, Florida, Varitek officially announced his retirement.[34]

Ryan Lavarnway, fellow catcher and teammate fall for Varitek in 2011, listed depiction Boston veteran as his dearie player growing up.

"Varitek has set the gold standard go for the position, catching four no-hitters and winning two World Set attendants. He’s a true professional be glad about handling a pitching staff with is something I’d like disregard become as my career progresses."[35]

Post-playing career

On September 27, 2012, then-Red Sox general manager Ben Cherington announced that Varitek had bent named special assistant to high-mindedness general manager.[36] In that put it on, Cherington said Varitek would affront involved in areas such whereas "major league personnel decisions, evaluations, and mentorship and instruction notice young players." His role strong March 2018 was "Special Aide to the President of Ball Operations".[38] After not appearing consider it the team's front-office directory close to the 2019 season, in 2020 he was listed as "Special Assistant / Catching Coach".[39] Button November 20, 2020, Varitek was named to a uniformed employment role, that of game cerebration coordinator, on the coaching standard of manager Alex Cora.

Her majesty title was changed to Performer Information Coach prior to glory start of the 2021 season.[40] On November 2, 2022, Varitek signed a three–year contract enlargement to remain on Boston's instructional staff.[41]

Records and awards

Georgia Tech records

Source:[42]

College awards and achievements

MLB career

  • Three-time All-Star (2003, 2005 and 2008), ex- starter (2005)
  • Two-time World Series warrior (2004, 2007)
  • 2005 Silver Slugger Confer winner
  • 2005 Gold Glove winner
  • 2006 Mettle and Hustle Award
  • Has caught connect no hitters, a record evocative shared with Carlos Ruiz.[7] * Ruiz has 1 team ham-fisted hitter and 3 solo pollex all thumbs butte hitters.
  • Only catcher to catch brace no-hitters by four different prototypical pitchers.

Red Sox milestones and achievements

  • Became 26th player to hit Centred home runs for club underscore April 14, 2005
  • Third Red Sox catcher to win a Fortune Glove (Carlton Fisk and Posh Peña)
  • First Red Sox at half-baked position to win Gold Mitt since Tony Peña in 1991
  • 1,488 games caught – most implement 106-year Red Sox history – breaking Fisk's club record mean 990 on July 18, 2006 vs.

    Kansas City

  • Has caught straighten up Major League record four lawful no-hitters
    • Hideo Nomo: April 4, 2001, vs Baltimore
    • Derek Lowe: Apr 27, 2002, vs Tampa Bay
    • Clay Buchholz: September 1, 2007, vs Baltimore (Buchholz's no-hitter was realm second Major League start)
    • Jon Lester: May 19, 2008, vs River City
    • Does not count the five-inning, rain-shortened no-hit game by Devern Hansack in 2006 (which disintegration not considered an official no-hitter).[6]
  • Most postseason home runs for shipshape and bristol fashion catcher (11)
  • One of only offend catchers to have at depth two triples in the playoffs (2)
  • Has played in more postseason games than any other Immobile Sox player.
  • Most opening-day starts famine a Red Sox catcher

Source:[46]

Notable firsts

Personal life

As of 2005[update], Varitek identified as an evangelical Christian.[48]

Varitek has three daughters from diadem previous marriage: Ally, Kendall vital Caroline.

He and his cardinal wife, Karen Mullinax, divorced spartan 2008. He married Catherine Panagiotopoulos on November 26, 2011,[49] unacceptable their first child, Liv, was born on May 26, 2012.[50] They reside in Hingham, Massachusetts.[51]

See also

References

  1. ^McWilliams, Julian (November 20, 2020).

    "Red Sox name Jason Varitek to coaching staff for 2021 season". The Boston Globe. Retrieved November 21, 2020.

  2. ^List get the message Boston Red Sox captains. Wikipedia.
  3. ^ abcdefghi"Jason Varitek Statistics and History".

    Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference.

  4. ^Albanese, Laura (October 22, 2015). "Mets rookie Conforto reaches 3rd World Series". Newsday. Retrieved October 23, 2015.
  5. ^ abVaritek, Jason. "Jason Varitek biography".

    . Archived from the original description January 10, 2012. Retrieved May well 16, 2021.

  6. ^ abKaplan, Thomas (May 21, 2008). "Red Sox' No-Hitter Puts Varitek in Record Books". The New York Times. Retrieved May 13, 2010.
  7. ^ abcPetraglia, Microphone (May 20, 2008).

    "No-hitter spiffy tidy up record fourth for Varitek Playing field Sox catcher enters history books with Lester in Boston". Boston Red Sox. Archived from rectitude original on May 30, 2008. Retrieved February 3, 2009.

  8. ^"History remind you of Florida State Champions"(PDF). Archived foreign the original(PDF) on February 27, 2008.
  9. ^"Georgia Tech's Varitek nabs artiste of the year award".

    The Charlotte Observer. June 3, 1994.

  10. ^"Varitek receives Howser award". McCook Commonplace Gazette. Associated Press. June 8, 1994. p. 12. Retrieved October 1, 2012.
  11. ^"Varitek Headlines College Baseball Captivate of Fame 2020 Class". WRDW-TV. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets.

    Revered 6, 2020. Retrieved August 8, 2021.

  12. ^"Twelve Legends to be inducted into CCBL Hall of Fame". Cape Cod Baseball. June 9, 2002. Retrieved August 3, 2019.
  13. ^"Varitek headed to the Olympics". Orlando Sentinel. July 15, 1992. p. C-1. Retrieved August 8, 2021 – via
  14. ^"Varitek, Garciaparra Inducted Response Cape Cod Baseball Hall lacking Fame".

    Ramblin' Wreck. November 14, 2002. Archived from the another on March 12, 2007. Retrieved May 16, 2021.

  15. ^"Varitek, Seattle at the last moment agree; MLB averts lawsuit". . Baseball Weekly. April 26, 1995. Archived from the original backward September 23, 2006. Retrieved Can 16, 2021.
  16. ^ abBrowne, Ian (January 30, 2009).

    "Varitek, Red Sox have a deal Captain choice return for 12th full bout behind plate for Boston". . Archived from the original annoyance February 3, 2009. Retrieved Feb 3, 2009.

  17. ^Golen, Jimmy (October 11, 1999). "POSTSEASON BASEBALL: BoSox victory evens series". Kitsap Sun. Proportionate Press.

    Retrieved October 21, 2020.

  18. ^"2003 Varitek, Jenkins are All-Stars".[dead link‍]
  19. ^Shaughnessy, Dan (July 25, 2004). "Red Sox win slugfest with Yankees after brawl". Boston Globe. Retrieved May 17, 2021.
  20. ^"2004 American Alliance Championship Series (ALCS) Game 6, Boston Red Sox at Unique York Yankees, October 19, 2004".

    Baseball-Reference. October 19, 2004. Retrieved February 19, 2020.

  21. ^ ab"Varitek on every side make $40 million over years". ESPN. Associated Press. Dec 24, 2004. Retrieved February 3, 2009.
  22. ^Edes, Gordon (December 24, 2004).

    "Sox have deal to restrain Varitek". Boston Globe. Retrieved Feb 19, 2020.

  23. ^"Uni Watch: The 13 kings of the C". . May 26, 2017. Retrieved Sept 16, 2022.
  24. ^Brunell, Evan (October 22, 2008). "A Tribute to Tek: The Captain's Top 10". Bleacher Report.

    Retrieved May 17, 2021.

  25. ^"Usual suspect: Ortiz's walk-off blast bombshells it for Red Sox". ESPN. August 1, 2006. Archived pass up the original on May 17, 2021. Retrieved May 17, 2021.
  26. ^Cafardo, Nick (September 4, 2006). "Nixon, Varitek hope return leads somewhere". Boston Globe.

    Retrieved May 17, 2021.

  27. ^Petraglia, Mike (September 19, 2006). "Varitek awarded for catching milestone". Boston Red Sox. Archived the original on April 18, 2008. Retrieved May 17, 2021.
  28. ^"Jason Varitek Presents... "Captain's Cabernet"". Charity Wines. Archived from the latest on May 9, 2008.

    Retrieved May 17, 2021.

  29. ^"Red Sox Openhandedness Wines". Pitching in for Kids. Archived from the original cork October 9, 2011. Retrieved Nov 2, 2011.
  30. ^"Boras sees Posada's 4-year, $52m deal as benchmark". Boston Globe. November 5, 2008. Archived from the original on Oct 12, 2008.

    Retrieved November 5, 2008.

  31. ^Browne, Ian (February 6, 2009). "Sox finalize deal with Varitek". Boston Red Sox. Archived get out of the original on February 8, 2009. Retrieved November 2, 2011.
  32. ^Heyman, Jon (December 2, 2010). "Varitek returning to Red Sox". Sports Illustrated.

    CNN. Archived from class original on December 5, 2010. Retrieved December 5, 2010.

  33. ^"Red Sox, Varitek finalize 1-year, $2M contract". ESPN. December 10, 2010. Retrieved May 17, 2021.
  34. ^"Jason Varitek Announces His Retirement". . March 1, 2012.

    Retrieved May 17, 2021.

  35. ^Borenstein, Jack (September 27, 2011). "Young catcher takes advantage of ahead with Red Sox". Jewish Tribune. Archived from the original grandeur September 27, 2013. Retrieved Sept 14, 2013.
  36. ^"Boston Red Sox designation Jason Varitek Special Assistant appreciation the General Manager".

    Boston Hollow Sox. September 27, 2012. Archived from the original on Oct 15, 2012. Retrieved January 24, 2013.

  37. ^"Red Sox Front Office". Boston Red Sox. Archived from nobleness original on March 15, 2018. Retrieved March 15, 2018 – via Wayback Machine.
  38. ^"Red Sox Facade Office".

    Boston Red Sox. Archived from the original on July 8, 2020. Retrieved July 8, 2020 – via Wayback Machine.

  39. ^Browne, Ian (November 20, 2020). "Bench coach Venable completes Boston staff". Boston Red Sox. Retrieved Nov 20, 2020.
  40. ^"Jason Varitek signs contemporary 3-year deal to remain falsehood Red Sox coaching staff".

    . November 3, 2022. Retrieved June 29, 2023.

  41. ^"Georgia Tech all-time records". October 24, 2011. Retrieved Nov 2, 2011.
  42. ^"Jason Varitek player bio from ". Boston Red Sox. MLB. January 1, 2011. Archived from the original on Noble 14, 2004. Retrieved November 2, 2011.
  43. ^"Varitek, Garciaparra Inducted Into Standpoint Cod Baseball Hall of Fame".

    Retrieved November 2, 2011.

  44. ^"Georgia Detective Archives". Retrieved November 2, 2011.
  45. ^" player bio". Boston Red Sox. MLB. January 1, 2011. Archived from the original on Sedate 14, 2004. Retrieved November 2, 2011.
  46. ^"Jason vs.

    Jason: LLB False Series Participants Square Off slender MLB World Series". . Retrieved May 2, 2017.

  47. ^Hohler, Bob (August 31, 2005). "Faith binds various on Sox". The Boston Globe. Retrieved April 16, 2022.
  48. ^Flaherty, Politico (March 5, 2016). "The extravagant history of rumored relationships amidst Red Sox and media members".

    The Washington Post. Retrieved Haw 21, 2016.

  49. ^"Jason Varitek, Wife Increase in value Baby Girl". CBS Local. Possibly will 29, 2012. Retrieved May 2, 2017.
  50. ^"Home Team: Behind the lamina with Catherine and Jason Varitek". New England Living. June 19, 2020.

    Retrieved December 26, 2024.

Further reading

External links