Boston Red Sox pitcher Jon Lester and New York Yankees pitcher Joba Chamberlain were on hand last night for a “Hot Stove Conversation” at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, CT.
During the event, they talked about the rivalry and what life is like in the majors. Here’s a sampling of what they had to say.
“If I had a quarter for every time somebody said ‘You [stink!]’ in the bullpen, I’d be pretty rich now,” Lester said to Chamberlain.
Chamberlain soon came back with a charge about the cramped visitors’ clubhouse at Fenway Park, where the lockers are just a little too close together for his liking.
“It smells like 70-year-old Pine Sol, because they don’t ever change the carpet,” Chamberlain said to laughs and jeers from the largely pro-Yankee crowd of over 1,000.
Lester shrugged it off. “That’s Fenway,” he said, and he added that he wouldn’t have it any other way.
And of course you know the fans had to ask Lester about Red Sox free agent catcher Jason Varitek.
“He actually came to my wedding about two weeks ago,” Lester said. “He came to that, and I talked to him a little bit. He seemed pretty positive about what was going on. I didn’t ask him about [contract] numbers or anything like that –– it didn’t seem the proper place –– but hopefully we can do something to bring him back.”
Lester recalled the first time he met Varitek. He’d heard all the stories, and seen that famously grim face that Varitek seemingly delights in wearing. Lester was nervous.
“I was scared. He always has that scowl on his face –– I didn’t want to shake his hand, I thought he was going to kick my butt or something,” Lester said.
Later, of course, Lester learned that the catcher isn’t always so serious, and he became a friend and mentor.
“He listens to what we have to say and we bounce some things back and forth…. hopefully they can get something worked out to get him back,” Lester said. “He’s the captain, he’s got the ‘C’ on his chest for a reason.”
It’s good to see them put aside their differences and be able to get together for an event like this. It couldn’t have been easy for Lester though as Fairfield County is pretty much Yankees country with it’s proximity to New York City.
And of course just another glowing review of Varitek from another player. I do like how Lester was scared of Tek at first. He does have that mean look to him.
I do wish though that someone would have asked Joba what the heck is the feud between him and Red Sox first baseman Kevin Youkilis all about. That’s an answer all of Red Sox Nation would like to know.
Joba, Lester talk hot stove at SHU [CT Post]
Sox’ Lester, Yanks’ Chamberlain exchange a few friendly barbs at Conn. event [Pro Jo]
