"I called my dad and we both broke down crying" - Jarren Duran shares emotional moment on All-Star selection during Red Sox vs. Yankees game
Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran has been selected to play in the MLB All-Star Game. This is Duran’s first All-Star selection in his baseball career.
During their recent game against the New York Yankees, the 27-year-old expressed his emotions about the achievement from the field.
In a clip shared by MLB, Jarren Duran was quite emotional when asked and shared a heartfelt moment he had with his father, saying:
“It’s pretty special honestly. I called my dad and we both broke down crying. But you know, it’s kind of hard to focus on that when you got to play the Yankees at night. So to one of those quick little love things but then you gotta focus back up.”
Duran has showcased All-Star-worthy performances this season. He's batting .278 with 10 home runs, 21 stolen bases, and 40 RBIs. Duran has also become the first American League player to achieve 10 home runs, 100 hits, 10 triples, and 20 stolen bases before the Midsummer Classic break, per MLB.com.
Two more Red Sox players have been selected for the Midsummer Classic later this month. Jarren Duran will be joined by his teammates, third baseman Rafael Devers and pitcher Tanner Houck, on July 16 at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas. Like Duran, Houck is also a first-time All-Star, while Devers has been selected for the third time.
Tanner Houck is having a standout season with a 7-6 record, a 2.68 ERA, the sixth-best in the league, and a 1.05 WHIP. Rafael Devers is batting .287 with 19 home runs and 53 RBIs.
Jarren Duran opens up about his All-Star selection, reflecting on his journey
Becoming an All-Star did not come easy for Duran as he had to overcome significant challenges. He struggled during his first couple of seasons in the majors, totaling just 68 hits in 311 at-bats for a .219 average. He also dealt with mental health issues.
Discussing his All-Star selection journey, Duran said (via MLB.com):
“It means a lot. Coming from where I came from and dealing with what I had to deal with, it feels good. It's hard to put into words. It’s a proud moment. Proud of [myself], proud of the team, proud for my teammates.”
Duran has started in all 89 games for the Red Sox so far this 2024 season and has signed a one-year, $760,000 contract with the team.