Expo Welcome Address

Jason Varitek
Retired Boston Red Sox Catcher

Honored as the first captain of the Boston Red Sox since 1989, Jason Varitek is beloved by both his teammates and the Boston faithful. The three-time All-Star is one of three players to appear in the Little League World Series, the College World Series and the MLB World Series. He has also represented the United States in the Olympics and the World Baseball Classic. One of the few players on both the 2004 and 2007 Red Sox World Series teams, Varitek was regarded as one of the best game-callers in the league and was on the receiving end of a record four no-hitters.

Born in Rochester, Michigan, Varitek's career-long tradition of winning continued after the LLWS, as he won a state championship at Lake Brantley High School. He attended Georgia Tech University, where he was a three-time All-American, winning the 1994 Golden Spikes, Rotary Smith and Dick Howser Awards as the best player in the country, and the Cape Cod Baseball League MVP in the summer. Drafted 14th overall by the Seattle Mariners, Varitek left as the Yellow Jackets career leader in runs, hits and doubles.

In one of the most lopsided trades of all time, Varitek was traded with Derek Lowe to the Red Sox in 1997 for pitcher Heathcliff Slocumb. He caught the most games - more than 1,400 - in team history. The true leader of the storied franchise, Varitek broke out in 1999 with his first 20 home-run season, and hit double digit home runs in 10 seasons. From 2003 to 2005, he hit 65 home runs, drove in 228 runs and was awarded both a Silver Slugger and Gold Glove Award for his 2005 performance. Varitek officially announced his retirement on March 1, 2012 at Jet Blue Park in Fort Myers, Florida. That September, it was announced that the former Red Sox captain would return to the organization as a special assistant to the general manager.

Recognized for his talent everywhere he has gone, Varitek's 33 remains the only number Georgia Tech has ever retired and he is a member of the Cape Cod League Hall of Fame. A true leader both on and off the field, Varitek is active with several charities and foundations including The Red Sox Foundation, Jimmy Fund, Pitching in for Kids and Buses for Baseball, among others. He has four daughters and resides in Georgia.