Varitek trains with little brother

January 31, 2000 | Sox Fan Magazine | By Ben Badler

 

Jason Varitek plays hard all summer, and works hard all winter. What helps him get through those long, unpleasant, offseason workouts? It’s his workout partner, Justin Varitek (photo at left), who is also Jason’s younger brother. 
 
“I’ve started training every day now, and I've had my younger brother, Justin, here in Atlanta to work out with me, which is great motivation for both of us,” said Jason in an AthleteDirect.com journal entry. “He's a senior at Murray State, and he's spending a couple weeks with me before he goes back to school to help him train and get him prepared for his last season.” 
 
Justin, like his older brother, is a catcher. He is hoping to be drafted and is feeding off the advice he receives from Jason. But, according to Jason, Justin isn’t the only one picking up some tips. 
 
“I'm not the only one whose teaching things. We definitely work together, and I'm learning from him, too.” 
 
“The way I see it, you don't get a more reliable partner to work with than your own brother, so I'm real glad to have him here. Working out can start to drag after a while and it's nice to have him here to mix things up a little bit.” 
 
Justin Varitek takes after his older brother in many ways. Like his brother, Justin is a catcher, and wears the number 33. 
 
Justin got increased playing time in ’99 with Murray State, and where he hit .295 in 88 at bats. The number of his starts will increase in 2000 when he becomes a senior and perhaps a team co-captain. 
 
Varitek expecting a baby 
What else is new in the life of Jason Varitek? He and his wife are expecting a baby, which they both said they were quite happy and excited about.