Jarren Duran lookalike contest has deeper meaning for winner

When Joshua Hollingworth’s father left their Toms River, N.J., house within the late 2000s, 12-year-old Hollingworth stayed with a string of members of the family earlier than he might totally assist himself.

He couldn’t constantly play baseball on account of his unstable dwelling scenario, however he nonetheless managed to develop a love for the Red Sox deep in Yankee territory. Hollingworth watched video games every time he might, repeatedly wore his Purple Sox jersey to highschool, and proudly displayed Boston bumper stickers on his automotive.

“Individuals can be like, ‘I’m not pumping your gasoline. You’re a Purple Sox fan,’” he recalled.

Hollingworth’s self price plummeted as his household life unraveled. He’s struggled with psychological well being all through his teenage and younger grownup years ever since. Now 29, the Plymouth resident is a diehard Jarren Duran devotee and has leaned on Duran as a supply of hope and inspiration.

“I’m an enormous fan of Jarren Duran,” Hollingworth mentioned. “He saved my life.”

When Hollingworth seen a Duran lookalike contest on social media, he knew he needed to enter Saturday afternoon at Fenway Park.

Duran, a mental health advocate who had beforehand signed Hollingworth’s proper wrist together with his signature “Nonetheless Alive” phrase, has helped him persevere at his lowest factors.

“He actually means loads,” Hollingworth mentioned. “Seeing his message, and what he went by means of, it’s simply wonderful. It’s only a fixed battle between not desirous to be right here and discovering a motive to be right here. Having a distraction like this helps a lot.”

5 contestants entered, and last-minute participant 12-year-old Jayson Eisenberg made a late surge, but it surely was kind of a formality. 4 members did their greatest to resemble Duran, whereas one legitimately did.

Hollingworth, who was born in the identical yr as Duran, sported a number of tattoos, critical muscle tissue, and even had the requisite facial hair as an added bonus. He displayed a Duran-like lefty swing, celebrated a make-believe house run with the Wally the Inexperienced Monster head, and electrified the group from second base.

“I watch the video games each night time, so I form of had an concept,” Hollingworth mentioned.

Duran, who made a particular look as the competition neared its finish, was impressed with the dedication. He had a troublesome option to make between Eisenberg and Hollingworth, and he went together with his intestine regardless of one minor flaw.

“I wouldn’t put on these glasses, respectfully, however I’ll choose Jarren No. 1,” Duran mentioned, drawing amusing from most of the dozens of followers in on the Huge Concourse contained in the bowels of Fenway Park.

Hollingworth clarified afterward that he wears both glasses or prescription sun shades, so he wouldn’t have been in a position to see if he had worn snazzy Duran-like sun shades.

Social media stars Tommy Guarino and Chad “Prosciutto Papi” McDonough, hosted the occasion. They gave loads of like to all contestants, but it surely was clear it was Hollingworth’s for the taking from the beginning.

“Duran might need to file a restraining order on him,” Guarino mentioned. “He seems to be a bit an excessive amount of like him. No however critically, he got here ready.”

“I feel he’s been tenting out,” McDonough added.

Kelsey Doherty, the Purple Sox’ Senior Director of Model and Social, mentioned Duran felt like the fitting man for the occasion given how a lot he means to the Boston fan base.

When she noticed Hollingworth, she had a hunch he may take house the prize.

“He was the primary contestant we noticed in line,” Doherty mentioned. “Instantly, it was like, ‘You have to be right here for the competition.’ He had the complete look, the vibe, too. It was nice.”

Trevor Hass is a sports activities producer for Boston.com, the place he writes and edits tales about Boston’s skilled groups, amongst different duties.