FORT MYERS, Fla. — When Jason Varitek was taken out of the final game of the 2010 season and given a standing ovation by the fans at Fenway Park, everyone on hand at least considered that it could be the final glimpse of him in a Red Sox uniform.
Varitek said Sunday in camp that even his kids were crying several hours after that game. They had essentially grown up in Boston and hated to think of not having their father in Fenway playing games.
Of course, Varitek re-signed with the Red Sox. He is also thinking that he might play well beyond 2011.
“I think once you’re done playing you’re done,” he said. “There’s no making a comeback if we stop playing this game at some point. If my body holds up and I’m able to do the things I am able to do, I’ll play as long as I can.”
Varitek entered his 14th spring training with the Red Sox in excellent shape. That, and the reduction in his playing time, has him eyeing a career into the 40s. The captain attributes the hard work he did to stay in shape more than a decade ago as the key.
“For me personally, the work I did 10, 15 years ago is beginning to show, pay off, and do things,” he said. “It’s allowed my body to be in a position where I can handle different things. I think if I hadn’t done that work it would be a lot different if all of a sudden now I started.”
That’s the physical aspect of the job as a catcher. He will also monitor the mental aspect.
“I think I’ve adapted as a human being first and foremost,” Varitek said. “As a player, I’ve gone through changes where it’s fun. I love talking about the game. I love sharing the game and I love listening about the game, too.
“You can learn and as soon as you’re arrogant or ignorant enough to think you know it all…it’s time to hang up the spikes.”
That hasn’t happened yet, and it might not for a few more years.
