Martin Perez had a surprise from the Boston Red Sox on Tuesday. His number had been changed in the Red Sox official roster page, switching from the number 54 that he wore last year to his accustomed number 33. Only there were a couple of problems with that – Jason Varitek had been the last player to wear that number, and no one asked Perez.
For his part, Perez understands what that number means in Red Sox history. And he has no plans on changing his number from 54.
That must be fixed! I never asked to change my jersey number, I’m gonna keep the number 54 which is a number that brings me a lot of memories and I feel identified. Even though I wore in my MLB career the 33, I always respected that this number belongs to Varitek since day 1. https://t.co/oU3rOrLN1h
— Martin Perez (@MartinPerez54d) February 16, 2021
Martin Perez defers to Boston Red sox legend
Perez was relatively solid during his first season in Boston. He posted a 3-5 record with a 4.50 ERA and a 1.339 WHiP over his 62 innings, striking out 46 batters with 28 walks. This season was relatively in line with his career – solid, but relatively unspectacular.
His resume certainly does not hold a candle to Varitek. The beloved Red Sox captain, Varitek produced a respectable .256/.341/.435 batting line, hitting 193 homers and 306 doubles. A three time All Star, he won the 2005 Gold Glove and caught four no hitters. And no Red Sox fan will ever forget his dustup with Alex Rodriguez.
The Red Sox have specific requirements for retiring a number. In theory, they have to have spent at least ten years in Boston, and have been inducted into the Hall of Fame. However, there are exceptions, as Johnny Pesky was not inducted into the Hall, and Pedro Martinez only spent seven years with the Red Sox.
Varitek’s number, along with Tim Wakefield‘s 49, had been unofficially retired since they last took the diamond in 2011. Likewise, the Red Sox have yet to officially retire number 21 for Roger Clemens, but it was removed from circulation after his departure following the 1996 season. As strange as it would be to see someone else wearing either 21 or 49, the same courtesy should be afforded to Varitek’s number.
If Martin Perez has anything to say about it, Jason Varitek will be the last player to wear number 33. The Boston Red Sox should ensure that is the case.