You might remember me mentioning that Red Sox catcher and captain Jason Varitek lives in Waban, the village of Newton, Massachusetts where I spend my long weekends. Although the fan-edited sign that re-named Varick Street “Varitek Street” is now gone, Varitek’s fans and neighbors here in Waban have transformed the Beacon Street bridge over the T tracks into a sort of shrine covered with encouraging signs. Whether or not the Sox sweep the Rockies in tonight’s World Series game, we know that Tek will be in his usual place behind the plate earning his stripes as the captain, and his fans here in Newton (yours truly included) will scream ourselves hoarse in the meantime.
Elsewhere in Waban, Red Sox Mania is reflected in the breakfast specials at Barry’s Village Deli, where this morning I did my loyal duty by ordering an optimistically named “World Series Winner Special”: two eggs, bacon, sausage, home fries, and two slices of challah French toast.
Call me superstitious, but I’m a big believer in Wishful Eating, especially in a deli where the walls are covered with Red Sox and Patriots memorabilia, and one of our regular waitresses was wearing (of course) a Jason Varitek T-shirt. With signs and omens like these, things are looking good for our beloved Sox…fingers crossed.
Click here for a photo set of the Jason Varitek/Boston Red Sox fan signs on the Beacon Street bridge.
Hoarded Ordinaries 
Oct 29, 2007 at 1:10 pm
!
Tek is such a class act. So are all the others. I’ve bought the champagne I promised my co-workers if we won, plus rice crackers in honor of Dice-K, pepitas in honor of Manny and Big Papi, and almonds (pronounced “ammands” in these parts) in honor of local wonderkid Dustin Pedroia….
I’m with you on the wishful eating. We took exactly the same indian takeout to our friends’ house that we ate the night they won the series in 04…
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Oct 29, 2007 at 5:27 pm
I’ve always liked Varitek even before becoming his sometimes-neighbor. (And no, I don’t know where in Waban he lives: that seems to be a well-guarded secret, which I can respect.)
Part of my fondness for V-tek are those snazzy red sox he wears, along with his close-trimmed facial hair & red turtleneck. He looks like an old-school baseball player, like he just stepped out of a 19th century daguerreotype.
I’m thinking that your workplace will be a very happy, non-productive place after you break out the champagne…
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Nov 16, 2010 at 10:51 am
V-Teck is spotted in Barry’s Village Deli all the time; usually secretly indulging himself in their Reuben sandwiches. The servers and counter help are witty and entertaining. Great place for breakfast and lunch!
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