Duran Makes Walla Walla History Eight Years Later

WALLA WALLA, Wash. — For the first time in franchise history, the Walla Walla Sweets will have a representative at the MLB All-Star Game. Jarren Duran, who played for the Walla Walla Sweets in 2016, was selected to the American League All-Star team Sunday afternoon.

Duran is in his fourth year with the Boston Red Sox, but 2024 is just his second season as a main starter. This season, he has played in all 89 games for the Red Sox so far. On July 2, he became the first American League player ever to record 100 hits, 10 triples, 10 home runs and 20 stolen bases all before the All-Star break. He leads the league in triples and is top five in hits, doubles, and stolen bases. He joins two other Red Sox players on the team in Rafael Devers and Tanner Houck.

Duran is the first Sweets’ alumnus to be selected to the All-Star game. Duran played at Historic Borleske Stadium in the summer of 2016, joining from Cal State Long Beach. He logged 42 games and collected 42 hits, 22 stolen bases, and 12 RBI. Duran was also a WCL All-Star that season. He mainly played second base for the Sweets and was transitioned into the outfield when he joined the Boston Red Sox organization.

“It’s an incredible accomplishment for Jarren,” said Sweets’ General Manager Cody Miller. “It’s been great to watch his journey from his time with us in 2016 to being drafted, making his major league debut, and now becoming an All-Star.”

The All-Star Game is Tuesday, July 16 in Arlington, Texas. Coverage of the game will start 5:00 p.m. Pacific time.

By: Cooper Huskey

Date: July 8, 2024