Oh Captain, Our Captain!

In just about a half-hour, Jason Varitek will retire from Major League Baseball. He will do so after 14 seasons in "The Show", with every game in th bigs coming in a Red Sox uniform. After Boston made one of the best trades in franchise history, Varitek became the face of the franchise.

He has caught more games for the Beantowners than anyone in history, won two World Series rings, caught four no-hitters (the only catcher ever), and of course, he punched Alex Rodriguez in the face. Varitek became the first Boston player since Jim Rice to be namd captain and wear the "C" that every little kid thought was awesome.

But he did more than lead our beloved Sox into battle everyday, helping to end 86 years of frustration and heartbreak. He was the Red Sox. For 14 years, the only catcher I (or anyone from my generation) knew was wearing number 33. It was as sure as Opening Day itself.

Yes, his ability deteriorated over the last few seasons; to the point that I was praying he would retire instead of continue to embarass his legacy. But he was our Captain. And now, weeks after longtime starting pitcher and fan favorite Tim Wakefield rode off into the sunset, the page is officially turned.

Kevin Youkilis and David Ortiz are the only two who remain of that glorious 2004 Championship run (jump started by Tek shoving his mitt into the smug face of that tool A-Rod). It truly is the end of a era in Red Sox Nation. Youk and Papi are great, and Youk is still a career Sock, but the times they are a'changing.

These two men brought years of joy and a sense of belonging to so many fans, and they did it the right way. 2012 will truly be a different Red Sox team, one that will make so many new memories and hopefully bring at least another title. But we Fenway Faithul will always remember Wake and Tek as the two cornerstones of a decade of success. Sure there were the superstars like Manny, Papi, Schilling, and Pedro; but Tek and Wake were the pillars of that foundation.

So thank you, both. Each of you meant so much to the franchise and the fan base. And even if Cooperstown doesn't come calling, you are always welcome to walk out of the Green Monster and return to a hero's welcome. It was a pleasure to watch you perform, and I am honored to be a member of Red Sox Nation knowing you both donned that uniform.




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