Jaron Duran, Won the 'Feast of Stars' MVP

Boston's Duran, The 'Green Monster' Goalkeeper Who Won the 'Feast of Stars' MVP

In his first All-Star Game debut at bat, he led the AL to victory with a two-run home run.

The moment when Boston Red Sox outfielder Jaron Duran (27) of Major League Baseball (MLB) left a strong impression on baseball fans was on July 23, 2022 (Korean time) in a game against the Toronto Blue Jays.

At the time, Duran, who started as Boston's center fielder, completely missed the location of a routine fly ball hit by Raimel Tapia in the bottom of the third inning with two outs and bases loaded when the team was down 0-6.

While Duran was confused, the ball dropped in front of the fence, and because Duran did not follow up, a record-breaking inside-the-park grand slam was achieved. 토토사이트

In addition, Duran, who had angered Boston fans several times with his immature outfield defense, has now become a solid starting player.

As a regular leadoff hitter, Duran was named to his first MLB All-Star list, and hit a game-winning two-run home run in his All-Star debut, becoming a 'star among stars.'

On the 17th (Korean time), at the 2024 MLB All-Star Game held at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, USA, Duran came into the game as a pinch hitter in the top of the 5th inning and hit a two-run home run in the bottom of the 5th.

In the bottom of the fifth inning with the score tied 3-3, with two outs and a runner on first base, Duran, who was making his All-Star debut at bat, caught Hunter Greene's (Cincinnati Reds) splitter with all his might and yanked it over the right field fence.

With Duran's home run, the American League (AL) won 5-3 over the National League (NL).

Duran was named the All-Star Game MVP after the game.

Since 2002, the MLB office has named the All-Star Game MVP the "Ted Williams All-Star Game MVP" after Boston native Ted Williams, the "last .400 hitter."

As the fifth Boston player to win the All-Star Game MVP, Duran felt even more meaningful by receiving an award named after a club legend.

Duran, who had only shown potential until 2022, began to really blossom last year.

Although he ended the season early due to a toe injury, he had a batting average of 0.295, 8 home runs, 40 RBIs, and 46 runs in 102 games.

This season, he is batting 0.284, 10 home runs, and 41 RBIs in 95 games, and is leading the league in both doubles (27) and triples (10).

Duran, who made a name for himself as a mid-distance hitter using his quick feet, hit a home run in the 'Feast of Stars'.

His immature outfield defense also improved by leaps and bounds.

Duran started 48 games as a left fielder and 47 games as a center fielder this season.

Boston's left fielders have to play with the 'Green Monster', the most difficult defense in the 30 MLB stadiums, behind them.

Originally an infielder, Duran moved to the outfield to maximize his offensive power, and now he has conquered the Green Monster and is showing off his stable defense.

In a post-game on-field interview, Duran recalled his home run moment, saying, "I was waiting for a fastball to come in in my first at-bat."

He continued, "It's really cool to share a clubhouse with players who were my rivals in the same division.

Starting in the second half it'll be hard to compete with them again."

Duran later shared more stories during a press conference.

"I'm just grateful to be playing in Boston and representing them in the All-Star Game.

I never thought I'd win the MVP.

It's a surreal moment," Duran said.

The MVP trophy he received is engraved with the name of the late legend Ted Williams.

"Williams is not only a great baseball player, but also a great human being.

I'm honored to receive an award with his name on it," Jaron Duran said.

"I don't think I'm the best.

I'll just keep my head down and work hard," he said.

"I don't think I'll realize I won the MVP until I go to bed.

I don't think I'll be able to sleep well tonight."