Teeing off with 'Tek

September 14, 2006 | TownOnline | By Christopher Hurley

 

Since arriving in Boston nearly 10 years ago, Boston Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek has proven to be every bit the all-star on the diamond as well as off it. Last week was no exception.  

The Sox captain hosted his first-ever Jason Varitek Celebrity Putt-Putt tournament, Thursday, Sept. 7, at Station’s Landing in Medford. The event served as a fundraiser to benefit Children’s Hospital and the Celebrities for Charities Foundations.
    
Presented by TD Banknorth, the Celebrity Putt-Putt brought together over two dozen Boston-area sports stars, teaming them up with corporate sponsors and fans alike as they played on the 18-hole miniature golf course in the heart of Medford’s newly developed waterfront neighborhood.
    
The brainchild of CFC organizers Cleon Daskalakis, Erin Lynch and Varitek, the Celebrity Putt-Putt concept was ideal for the Sox back-stop, who was looking for a unique and fun way to spend an off-day with his teammates, while raising money for a worthy cause. "I had developed a relationship with the Children’s Hospital over the years, going all the way back to my first year as a Red Sox," said Varitek, who was traded to Boston along with Kevin Lowe by the Seattle Mariners in exchange for reliever Heathcliff Slocumb, July 31, 1997. "That developed, as well as my recent relationship with TD Banknorth and the Celebrities for Charities foundation. We combined the two and came up with the idea of the Putt-Putt."
    
Despite enduring a tumultuous month with the Red Sox, falling out of the wild card chase and even further away from the first place Yankees, many of Varitek’s teammates stood united for a good cause, joining their captain on the course during a rare off-day. Veterans such as Tim Wakefield, Trot Nixon, Gabe Kapler, Mike Timlin and Kevin Youkilis arrived early to the event and were ready to tee off.
   
"I’ve played two games out of the last three days," said Varitek, who recently came off the disabled list. "I’m a little more rested and that’s why I really appreciate my teammates’ time and everybody - from all the volunteers and the support of the mayor here in Medford. It means a tremendous amount. If it changes the spirit of a child just for a day, that’s what matters."
   
First-year Sox players such as second baseman Mark Loretta and pitcher Josh Beckett were given a warm welcome by the fans in the bleachers. Red Sox rookies such as Manny Delcarmen and Craig Hansen were also introduced much to the delight of the fans in attendance.
   
Perhaps the biggest cheers of the night greeted Red Sox slugger David Ortiz, who arrived just minutes into the tournament.
   
According to Timlin, the Sox participation in the event is the least they can do. "This town supports us very well, and we do all we can in small ways to try to support each other in all of our charity events, so most of the invitations are extended to all the guys on the other teams," Timlin said. "It’s kind of nice."

And other good sports
    
But the local boys of summer weren’t the only athletes on the block this day. Boston Bruin legend and NHL Hall of Fame defenseman Ray Bourque was also on hand. For Bourque, giving back to the community has become second nature since arriving in Boston during his rookie year in 1979.
  
"It’s a special place with so many great teams and franchises," said Bourque. "I think that we’ve all learned from people that have come before us: when you’re part of a team as a young guy, you know guys who are giving back. For me, from day one when I got with the Bruins with all those veterans that were involved in a lot of different things, it’s just something that you pass on, not only with the Bruins, but with the Patriots, the Red Sox and the Celtics. They’re all out there doing different things for different causes. It’s just great."
 
"Hopefully we raise a lot of money for Children’s Hospital and have a lot of fun doing it." Joining Bourque was his former defensive partner and teammate Don Sweeney. A longtime Bruin in his own right, Sweeney was recently appointed Director of Player Operations for his old club. The hockey stars were joined by another former Bruin and BC College star Bob Sweeney, as well as recently retired St. Louis Blue winger Scott Young. The Boston University Terriers were also represented with alumni Travis Roy making an appearance.
   
Boston-area actor and comedian Lenny Clarke served as Master of Ceremonies for the evening and was very impressed with the newly refurbished surroundings. The course was built specifically for this event by New England Custom Putting Greens.
   
"They did a beautiful job," Clarke told the crowd. "I’m from around here, so I know this area, and this used to be a dump."
   
According to Varitek, he had an opportunity to preview the course with an impromptu practice hole earlier in the day with the rest of his teammates and expected a challenge.
  
"The course is tricky, and I’m a pretty good putter," Varitek said. "It’s got some bends and I had some misreads. I didn’t get a hole-in-one, and I’m a little disappointed."
   
Although his 5-year-old daughter Mykala Timlin managed to pocket a hole-in-one during the practice run, her father was having a litter tougher time with his golf game.
   
"It could be better but that’s how it goes," said Timlin. "There is a reason why I play baseball."
   
Known as an excellent golfer during his days patrolling the blueline for the Bruins, Bourque had the advantage of previously playing on the course last month with Medford Mayor Michael J. McGlynn.
    
"I don’t think I made one putt all day," Bourque said, "so hopefully I’m saving them for tonight."
    
Prior to tee time, Varitek took center stage and introduced another MVP, Shannon O’Donnell. A young patient who came to the Children’s Hospital Boston for the first time when she was 5 years old, O’Donnell spent a month in the cardiac unit. She was diagnosed with primary pulmonary hypertension, but has since proven to be one of the hospital’s success stories. Children’s Hospital Boston is the nation’s leading pediatric medical center, the largest provider of health care to Massachusetts children and the primary pediatric teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School. Children’s houses the world’s largest research enterprise based at a pediatric medical center, where its discoveries benefit both children and adults.
    
"Today, with the help of her parents Bill and Laura, who have been trained to mix her medication, and her trusty purple backpack that keeps her medication cool and constantly flowing throughout her body, there is very little that can slow down this energetic young 11-year-old," Varitek said. "She requires maintenance visits every month, but the O’Donnell’s credit Children’s Hospital with saving Shannon’s life on more than one occasion, and over the last five years have given her the ability to enjoy a full and rich life today."
   
O’Donnell joined Varitek on stage to make an important announcement.

"Golfers on the course," she said.

Medford loves it
    
Following the tournament, a post-game reception was held inside Station’s Landing. The event included a silent auction, where participants had the opportunity to bid on one-of-a-kind sports memorabilia, including signed baseball bats, footballs and hockey jerseys.
    
But the real winner in all of this was Children’s Hospital Boston, which raised thousands of dollars at the event.  According to McGlynn, the Jason Varitek Celebrity Putt-Putt is a prime example of New England athletes at their finest. "It’s a great event, especially because we’re raising money for Children’s Hospital and different charities that all the celebrities support," said McGlynn, who figured he’d hit about 108 in the tournament. "To have it here is great for the city of Medford, and people are excited about it. There is a long proud history of athletics here in the city of Medford. They support their Boston teams and they’re happy to come out here and have a chance to be with some of the players."
    
And judging by the strong show of support Thursday night - mission accomplished.