Do you think that Jason Varitek is the veteran of two World Series?

Of course, he helped to lead the Boston Red Sox to the World Series in 2004, where they broke the Curse of the Bambino and brought home a World Series Championship for the first time in 86 years. 

And of course, he helped the Sox do it again in 2007.

So you think that Tek is the veteran of two World Series, right? 

Ahh, then you underestimate him. Tek played in the Little League World Series when he was 12. And he played in the College World Series before he ever put on a Boston Red Sox jersey. Want to learn more about the Boston Red Sox catchingest catcher? Read on . . .

Jason Varitek is the hardest working catcher ever to wear a Red Sox jersey.  By the end of 2008, he had caught more than 1,270 games.  This shatters the previous record of 990 held by Carlton Fisk. 

Four of those games have been no-hitters.  Tek is the only catcher in the history of the MLB to have caught so many. 

Jason Varitek has played his entire Major League career in a Boston Red Sox jersey.  Tek's career statistics through 2008:

• batting average of .263

• 161 home runs

• 654 RBI

• on-base percentage of .346

Jason Varitek’s Awards and Honors 

• 2005, Silver Slugger Award
• 2005, Gold Glove Award
• 2003, 2005 and 2008, All-Star Team

Jason Varitek’s biggest strength is as a student and analyst of opposing teams. Since he first put on a Boston Red Sox jersey, he has watched videotapes and read scouting reports to get to know players before facing them on the field. Then he prepares his pitchers, armed with his knowledge.

Tek is great at calling a game. He shepherds the team in executing winning strategies. Pitchers, coaches and managers enjoy working with him because of his attention to preparation.

Jason Varitek has been rewarded for his hard work studying opposing teams and preparing his teammates to defeat them.   

At the end of the 2004 season, after their first World Series championship in recent history, the Red Sox named Tek the team captain. He joins a short list of past Red Sox team captains:

• Carl Yastrzemski
• Jim Rice

And an equally short list of current captains of MLB teams

• Paul Konerko, first baseman for the Chicago White Sox
• Derek Jeter, shortstop for the New York Yankees

The letter "C" on the left front of his Boston Red Sox jersey represents his role as captain.

Jason Varitek’s contract expired after the 2008 season.  He declined arbitration to seek contract offers from other teams.  No other offers were available.  So he has re-signed with the Sox after all.  Tek will be playing in a Boston Red Sox jersey for the 2009 season, with player and team options for 2010.