Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran’s encounter with a heckler on Sunday in Cleveland led to the fan’s ejection and an apology from the Guardians.
Duran described the fan’s comments as ‘inappropriate’ and indicated they were about his mental health struggles. He has been open about his 2022 attempted suicide and depression when he struggled at the beginning of his major league career in 2021 and 2022. His story is featured in an eight-part Netflix docuseries, ‘The Clubhouse: A Year With the Red Sox.’
During the seventh inning of Boston’s 13-3 victory on Sunday, the Red Sox scored three runs and Duran flew out on what was otherwise a stellar day with four hits. The fan yelled at him while he went back to the Boston dugout.
Duran stood at the top of the dugout and stared at the fan, who was seated in the front row near the dugout. When the third out was made, Duran went to talk to the fan.
‘He said something inappropriate, but I’m happy that security handled it,’ Duran said after the game. ‘Security was aware of it and took care of it for me.’
Duran was held back by some Red Sox coaches and first base umpire Stu Scheurwater, and then eventually by teammate Ceddanne Rafaela.
An All-Star in 2024, Duran said Sunday was the first time he has been heckled since the documentary came out earlier this month.
‘When you open yourself up like that, you’re also opening yourself up to the enemies, but I have a good support staff around me along with teammates and coaches, which is awesome,’ said Duran, 28.
Fans seated at Progressive Field pointed out the heckler, who then sprinted out of his seat and onto the concourse, where he was escorted out of the stadium by security.
‘We are aware of the situation that took place during today’s game between a fan and one of the Red Sox players that violated our fan conduct policy,’ the Guardians said in a statement. ‘We recognize the gravity of the behavior at issue here and take very seriously conduct of this nature.
‘We apologize to the Red Sox organization, the player involved, fans in the area and are addressing the situation. We have identified the fan in question and will work with Major League Baseball regarding next steps. We strive to provide the best experience to visiting players and fans, and that fell short today.’
Duran has a recent history with fan engagement, having been suspended two games last season for making a homophobic slur at a fan who heckled him about his hitting.
‘It’s a two-way street,’ Boston manager Alex Cora said after the game Sunday. ‘We made a mistake last year, and we learned from it. (Duran) grew as an individual and we grew as a group but there’s limits, too. Whatever the fan said, security felt that he crossed a line and kicked him out.’
Duran was 7-for-15 with three RBIs and one straight steal of home as Boston took two of three games against Cleveland.