Red Sox: Jason Varitek dons catching gear at spring training and the nostalgia is strong (Video)

Former Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek is back with the team as a coach and suited up in a familiar look at spring training.

Jason Varitek is a Boston Red Sox legend who will always be remembered as a core member of the 2004 team that broke the World Series drought. He spent his entire career with the club and achieved the rare honor of being named a captain.

Varitek is now back with the Red Sox in a coaching role on Alex Cora’s staff. Fans should crack a smile when seeing a recent picture of the former All-Star catcher donning the gear once again at spring training this year.

Jason Varitek back in his old Red Sox gear

It is great to see the Boston legend back in his gear. Seeing him in the gear and a full uniform almost leads to a double-take considering he retired back in 2012.

Having Varitek around only serves to help both the pitchers and the catchers on the Red Sox. He worked with elite pitchers during his playing days and was behind the plate for four no-hitters. His level of experience is hard to find at the catcher position.

He is now working under Cora, who is getting a second chance after serving his suspension for his role in the infamous sign-stealing scandal. The two were teammates from 2005-2008.

Fans will be hoping Varitek’s presence leads to a turnaround after two rough seasons following a World Series title in 2018. The American League East is a juggernaut, aside from Baltimore, and the Red Sox need all the help they can get.

Just don’t expect Varitek to get too much time behind the plate in Spring Training. That would be brutal on his 48-year-old knees.