With Tim Wakefield flanking him, the lengthy walk from the outfield to the mound whizzed past by in a flash. But together, the two iconic figures of the franchise –– only recently retired –– tossed the ceremonial first pitch before Friday's home opener.
To add to the emotion, Varitek and Wakefield threw out the ceremonial pitches to stalwarts Jim Rice and Dwight Evans.
"I don't know if it's all gonna sink quite in yet," Varitek said. "I've been getting through different stages, like the first time I was around a field was in spring training with that announcement and stuff. It bit a little bit, it bit a little bit."
Since the Red Sox have started the season, Varitek has monitored the team's every move from the couch. The longtime captain deemed his viewership more as that of a fan instead of a former player.
But the rush of adrenaline at Fenway didn't sway Wakefield. The knuckleballer said he didn't regret his decision to retire and that sentiment was hammered home upon looking at his children every day.
He still relished the experience before the Red Sox' 12-1 victory over the Rays.
"Very emotional for both of us standing behind the flag, reminiscing on our time together," Wakefield said. "Trying to get the walk over with as fast as possible to get off the field. It's a special day, it really is. Spend this much time with this guy, and being able to share today throwing out the first pitch of the home opener was pretty special."
Although he's easing out of Major League Baseball, Wakefield has continued to maintain contact with R.A. Dickey –– the Mets' knuckleball pitcher –– and intends to tutor more pitchers on the art of the unorthodox pitch.
As for Varitek, he's taking his time before committing to a future role within the organization.
"We're still talking," Varitek said. "Work in progress."
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