C – Jason Varitek
‘Tek’ was and remains idolized in the eyes of the Red Sox faithful. The Captain produced some memorable moments in his fourteen-year career, which was solely spent with this organization. From his bout with one of Boston’s top enemies, Alex Rodriguez, to leading the Sox to the first World Series title in eighty-six years.
When it’s all said and done, it will be hard to top Varitek at the catcher spot. His numbers weren’t the greatest, but he was an outstanding catcher and his leadership will be hard to top, which was pivotal in two World Series titles.
The 2005 season saw him claim a Silver Slugger Award and a Golden Glove award – this was his most impressive season, finishing twenty-first in AL MVP voting. He was one of the greatest defensive catchers in the league for a long period and will be remembered fondly by Red Sox fans everywhere.
Varitek will go down as one of the two greatest catchers in franchise history, along with Carlton Fisk. Captains like him don’t come easily, but Boston has been blessed with great leader figures including Dustin Pedroia and David Ortiz, and Varitek is certainly one of these greats.