Red Sox catcher, Jason Varitek has caught four no-hitters in the last seven years. Something like this doesn't happen by accident.
Granted, this isn't exactly a skill Varitek possesses, and it obviously requires a bit of luck. But this does help prove that Jason Varitek is still one of the best catchers in the game—even if he doesn't hit like Joe Mauer or throw from his knees as a lot of the younger guys have been known to do.
After the Red Sox broke the curse and re-signed Varitek in 2004, they also named him the third team captain in Red Sox history. Carl Yastrzemski and Jim Rice were the two names he followed.
Once again, Boston didn't name him their team captain because he was the most physically gifted player on the team, or even because he was the oldest or most experienced (not that it hurts).
They named him their team captain because he is a natural born leader and knows how to treat each individual young pitcher in a way that he can get the most out of them while gaining their trust as a teammate at the same time.
Just look at the players who's no-hitters he's caught. The two most recent outings were thrown by Clay Buchholz and Jon Lester; two young pitchers that might be good someday, but hadn't yet really established themselves beyond mediocre starters.
Then there is Hideo Nomo, who is no longer on a major league roster, and Derek Lowe; the only pitcher who has been somewhat consistent since his no-hitter in 2002, despite the fact that he is off to a 2-4 start this year.
Every player in the Red Sox organization looks up to Jason Varitek. He is a seasoned veteran who has helped the Red Sox overcome the curse of the Babe. Later adding another ring just for good measure.
He deserves to wear the "C" on his chest, and he also deserves a lot more credit from the media for the team's recent success.
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