Varitek catches record: 990th game behind plate ties Fisk's mark

July 17, 2006 | Boston Herald | By Jeff Horrigan

 

It took Jason Varitek a few moments to realize that the mounting ovation just prior to the start of the eighth inning yesterday was actually for him.

As he warmed up reliever Julian Tavarez, the Red Sox catcher finally became aware that the 267th consecutive regular-season sellout at Fenway Park had noticed a message on the center field replay board: Varitek had just tied Hall of Famer Carlton Fisk’s club record by catching his 990th game.

“I didn’t realize it at first, but it was very appreciated,” said Varitek, who went 2-for-4 in an 8-1 loss to Oakland. “It gave me some chills.”

The captain, who made his major league debut with the Sox on Sept. 24, 1997, after the Seattle Mariners traded him nearly two months earlier, was aware he was closing in on Fisk’s mark but didn’t know he caught him until he received the ovation.

“It gives you an energy burst on a hot day,” he said of the cheers.

With knuckleballer Tim Wakefield on the mound against Kansas City tonight, Varitek, 34, is expected to rest in favor of backup Doug Mirabelli, but he should pass Fisk’s mark tomorrow.

“Hopefully, I’ve got a lot more (games) ahead,” Varitek said. “I’ve been very fortunate that I’ve been in the same place for a long time.”