Another "last ball" controversy for Red Sox

BOSTON (AP) -- "The last ball from Boston's 2007 World Series victory might not get back to the Red Sox after all.

• Jason Varitek caught the final strikeout Sunday night to complete a four-game sweep of Colorado, then tucked the ball in his back pocket as he ran to the mound to celebrate.

Varitek said after the game that he'd give the ball to the team,

• but on Wednesday he said he gave it to closer Jonathan Papelbon.

Neither Lucchino nor Red Sox spokesmen immediately returned calls or e-mails seeking comment Wednesday.

• The 2007 ball was the one Papelbon used to strike out pinch-hitter Seth Smith for the final out of Game 4 against the Rockies.

• "I'll give it back to the team," Varitek said at Coors Field. "Maybe we won't have a controversy this time.""

AP Report, "Sox's Varitek Again in Last-Ball Mystery," 10/31/07, published on SportingNews.com

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