Varitek

BOSTON — Jason Varitek wrote himself into the Red Sox record books Monday night, but was unaware of his feat until yesterday afternoon.

Varitek’s second-inning homer in the Sox’ 7-4 win over Baltimore was his 157th as a Red Sox catcher, tying him with Hall of Famer Carlton Fisk in that department. Told of the achievement, Varitek expressed surprise.

“I had no idea … none,” said Varitek. “No idea at all. I mean, it’s Carlton Fisk — I don’t know what the record means, but I know what he means.”

Varitek, who has been the Red Sox No. 1 catcher since 1999, has met Fisk a few times, mostly at team functions and off-season banquets.

“He’s a pretty smart guy,” said Varitek, “so I mostly just listen to what he has to say.”

Varitek may have been unsure of what the record-tying homer means to his own legacy with the Red Sox, but as a potential free agent after the season, he’s quite cognizant that his Red Sox career could be coming to an end.

“I am aware these could be my last home games here,” said Varitek, “and I don’t want to take them for granted. That’s as far as I can take it right now. I don’t want to take any of this for granted, particularly the excitement of playing here.”

—SEAN McADAM