BOSTON -- Former Red Sox captain and catcher Jason Varitek made his first start behind the plate on April 2, 1998. That same day, standing 60 feet in front of him on the mound was former Red Sox pitcher Tim Wakefield. Eighteen years later on Thursday at the Sheraton Boston Hotel, Wakefield and Varitek marched into the Red Sox Hall of Fame together, alongside Larry Lucchino and the late Ira Flagstead.
Teammates for 15 years, both Wakefield and Varitek looked back on their 2004 World Series championship season fondly, remembering it as a pivotal point for the team.