Former Red Sox catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia retires from baseball
He was acquired by the Red Sox at the trade deadline in 2010, and took over the catching duties after Jason Varitek retired after the 2011 season. He appeared in 121 games in both the 2012 and 2013 seasons.
Former Red Sox catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia announced his retirement Monday after 12 seasons.
The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal reported Saltalamacchia’s decision in a Facebook post.
In addition to the Red Sox, Saltalamacchia also played for the Texas Rangers, Miami Marlins, Arizona Diamondbacks, Detroit Tigers, and Toronto Blue Jays, appearing in 895 games.
He was acquired by the Red Sox at the trade deadline in 2010, and took over the catching duties after Jason Varitek retired after the 2011 season. He appeared in 121 games in both the 2012 and 2013 seasons.
In Game 2 of the 2013 American League Champion Series, fondly remembered for David Ortiz’s game-tying grand slam in the eighth inning, Saltalamacchia singled to left field in the bottom of the ninth to score Jonny Gomes and give the Red Sox a 6-5 walkoff win to even the series. The Red Sox went on to win the 2013 World Series.
Forever a part of #RedSox history. #GetBeard pic.twitter.com/Zs6sepzYA5
— Boston Red Sox (@RedSox) January 29, 2019
Saltalamacchia recalled his time with the Red Sox fondly in Rosenthal’s post.
“I want to especially Thank Theo Epstein, Ben Cherington and ownership of the Boston Red Sox for believing in me so much that they brought me over to fill the shoes of my childhood idol and mentor Jason Varitek! I can tell you playing beside him and putting on the Red Sox jersey and playing the position of Red Sox greats like the captain and Carlton Fisk was humbling and an honor!! To win a World Series is one thing but to win it in front of the iconic baseball fans of Boston is truly my most memorable moment!’’
