Watch: Former All-Star C Jason Varitek surprises fan wearing his T-shirt

Mar 8, 2019; Sarasota, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox guest instructor Jason Varitek (33) prior to the game at Ed Smith Stadium. Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Watch: Former Red Sox All-Star C Jason Varitek surprises fan wearing his T-shirt at amusement park

By Victor Barbosa | Last updated 8/16/22

It's been over a decade since Jason Varitek retired from his MLB playing career, but the former three-time All-Star still has fans across all of "Red Sox Nation" sporting his apparel.

"Tek" served as Boston's captain for the final seven seasons of his career from 2005 to 2011 and was vital in helping the franchise break the "Curse of the Bambino" in 2004 (while winning another World Series title in 2007).

During a recent outing to Canobie Lake Park -- an amusement park in Salem, New Hampshire -- the former Red Sox backstop and his family decided to surprise a fan who was wearing the familiar No. 33 red Varitek T-shirt. While some of the dialogue is tough to decipher, it's clear that the fan was in shock when he was finally let in on the surprise.

Kids pointed out a guy in a #Varitek shirt at @CanobieLakePark ….

So we hit him with a sneak attack! #RedSox #SoHappy #Kindness pic.twitter.com/YhyKUQzLUV
— Catherine Varitek (@CatherinVaritek) August 16, 2022

While the former Gold Glove catcher and one-time Silver Slugger award winner isn't playing anymore, he's stayed involved with the Red Sox, currently serving as their game planning coordinator. After being selected by the Seattle Mariners in the first round of the 1994 MLB June Amateur Draft, Varitek was traded with fellow 2004 World Series winner Derek Lowe to Boston in exchange for closer Heathcliff Slocumb in July 1997.

The 50-year-old made his big-league debut later that season and spent his entire career with the Red Sox.

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