The Boston Red Sox are going to need a new captain.

Catcher Jason Varitek has decided to retire after 15 seasons with the Red Sox, a person familiar with the decision told The Associated Press on Monday night. The person requested anonymity because Varitek had not made an announcement.

The Boston Globe first reported Varitek's decision.

Varitek is expected to make it official Thursday at Boston's spring training camp in Fort Myers, Fla.

A first round draft pick in 1994, Varitek came to Boston in a trade from Seattle in 1997 and spent his entire big league career with the Red Sox. He caught four no-hitters, made three All-Star teams won two World Series titles, all the while endearing himself to the team's demanding, blue-collar fan base with his unyielding work ethic.

Varitek surpassed Carlton Fisk for most games caught in a Red Sox uniform back in 2006 and finished with 1,488 games behind the plate. He has a career average of .256 with 193 home runs and 757 RBI.

- The Associated Press