Looking back at the defining moments of Jason Varitek’s career – MLB News
Jason Varitek has announced his retirement officially. Today we will be looking at his career stats and the infamous Alex Rodriguez-incident he was involved in. Varitek looked completely out of sorts last season as he played only 68 games. Hitting only .221 average with 11 home runs, 36 RBI’s and .300 on base percentage, he was unable to make the most of available opportunities.
The 39-year-old had to miss a large number of games due to various forms of energy. Earlier this week, he finally decided to retire from Major League Baseball. Although the official announcement was made only yesterday, a source close to the catcher had confirmed the news on Monday.
During 2004 season, he got involved in an ugly incident with A-Rod. After Rodriguez hit one of the Red Sox pitchers on the left elbow pad, all h**l broke loose. Varitek blocked Rodriguez’s way to get in his face. Following that incident, both players apologised to the fans and MLB Players Association.
“(A-Rod) just started taking off his equipment as he started to walk down the line to first. He yelled at me, ‘Throw that (expletive) (expletive) over the plate.’ By then, Jason was in front of him. I couldn’t hear what Jason was saying to him but I could hear Alex saying, ‘(expletive) you, (expletive) you.’ And that’s when Jason had had enough,” said Bronson Arroyo.
“I could have knocked him out if I wanted to,” team-mate David Ortiz said. “I pulled him. If I wanted to swing at him, I had him right there. That’s not what you want to get caught doing.”
Helping Boston Red Sox secure memorable wins in his tenure with the club, Varitek is very famous among the Red Sox fans. The striker made his Major League Baseball debut in 1997 and he carved an All Star career for himself. Playing his entire League career with one team, Varitek is a determined and dedicated player. His love for the game motivated him to do well even in most difficult times. Considering his consistent performances and knowledge of the game, he was named Red Sox captain in 2004.
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