Littlefield On Sports: Jason Varitek To Retire

07:12

February 29, 2012

Jason Varitek trots back to the dugout after a 2011 home run against the Phillies. Varitek is retiring after 15 seasons with the Red Sox. (AP)

For 15 season, Jason Varitek has been the heart and soul of the Boston Red Sox, a leader both on the field and in the clubhouse. As the team's catcher and captain, Varitek was a quiet leader who made bad pitchers good, and good pitchers great.

Over his career, Jason Varitek caught a record four no-hitters for the Red Sox. He was a gold-glove winner for the team, a three-time all-star, and of course, a two-time World Series champion.

But come Thursday, Varitek's playing days will be over, as he is scheduled to announce his retirement from the team's spring training complex in Fort Myers, Fla.

For more on Varitek's retirement and his legacy with the Red Sox, we'll turn to Bill Littlefield of NPR's Only A Game.

Guest:

Bill Littlefield, host, Only A Game.

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2/28/2012: Spring Training: Then And Now

This segment aired on February 29, 2012.