The Backyard Batting Cage

By Communications Division
SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, Pa.
March 1, 2012

Little League to the Major Leagues, leadership and clutch performances have driven the baseball career of Boston Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek. Today, the two-time World Series Champion announced his retirement after 15 seasons.

Mr. Varitek, who at age 12 played a key role in Altamonte Springs (Fla.) National Little League’s run to the 1984 Little League Baseball World Series United States Championship, has been with the Red Sox since 1997, and was team captain for seven seasons (2006-2011). He retires having played 1,546 Major League games, all with Boston.

The three-time all-star caught four no-hitters in 1,488 games behind the plate, and won the Gold Glove in 2005. He ranks first for Boston catchers in career hits (1,307); runs (664); home runs (193); runs batted in (757); and is second all-time in Boston team history with 11 postseason home runs. His career batting average was .256.

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