As summer winds down, the Boston Red Sox found a creative way to determine their fantasy football draft order. Instead of relying on traditional methods like last season's standings or random number assignments, they turned to a familiar face: Jason Varitek, the team's game-planning and run prevention coach and a former three-time All-Star.

On Tuesday, Red Sox players wrote their names on baseballs and had Varitek take batting practice. The distance each ball traveled determined the draft order, with longer hits securing better picks. This unique approach added an element of excitement and unpredictability to the process.

Greg Weissert, a relief pitcher, had a less fortunate outcome when his ball fouled straight up into the cage, resulting in laughter from his teammates. Meanwhile, Varitek managed to send most of the other balls to the warning track or off the outfield wall, showcasing his still-impressive batting skills.

This isn't the first time the Red Sox have used their ballpark for fantasy football purposes. In previous years, they decided their draft order by chipping golf balls off Fenway Park's iconic Green Monster. Other teams, like the Toronto Blue Jays, have also gotten creative, using their stadium for similar purposes.

The Red Sox's decision to involve Varitek highlights the camaraderie and fun that can be found in team traditions, blending the worlds of baseball and fantasy football in a memorable way.