‘He saved my life’: Jarren Duran lookalike contest has deeper meaning for winner Joshua Hollingworth of Plymouth
"It’s just a constant battle between not wanting to be here and finding a reason to be here," Hollingworth said. "Having a distraction like this helps so much."
When Joshua Hollingworth’s father left their Toms River, N.J., home in the late 2000s, 12-year-old Hollingworth stayed with a string of family members before he could fully support himself.
He couldn’t consistently play baseball as a result of his unstable living situation, but he still managed to develop a love for the Red Sox deep in Yankee territory. Hollingworth watched games whenever he could, regularly wore his Red Sox jersey to school, and proudly displayed Boston bumper stickers on his car.
“People would be like, ‘I’m not pumping your gas. You’re a Red Sox fan,'” he recalled.
Hollingworth’s self worth plummeted as his family life unraveled. He’s struggled with mental health throughout his teenage and young adult years ever since. Now 29, the Plymouth resident is a diehard Jarren Duran devotee and has leaned on Duran as a source of hope and inspiration.
“I’m a huge fan of Jarren Duran,” Hollingworth said. “He saved my life.”
When Hollingworth noticed a Duran lookalike contest on social media, he knew he had to enter Saturday afternoon at Fenway Park.
Duran, a mental health advocate who had previously signed Hollingworth’s right wrist with his signature “Still Alive” phrase, has helped him persevere at his lowest points.
“He really means a lot,” Hollingworth said. “Seeing his message, and what he went through, it’s just amazing. It’s just a constant battle between not wanting to be here and finding a reason to be here. Having a distraction like this helps so much.”
Five contestants entered, and last-minute participant 12-year-old Jayson Eisenberg made a late surge, but it was more or less a formality. Four participants did their best to resemble Duran, while one legitimately did.
Hollingworth, who was born in the same year as Duran, sported multiple tattoos, serious muscles, and even had the requisite facial hair as an added bonus. He displayed a Duran-like lefty swing, celebrated a make-believe home run with the Wally the Green Monster head, and electrified the crowd from second base.
“I watch the games every night, so I kind of had an idea,” Hollingworth said.
Duran, who made a special appearance as the contest neared its end, was impressed with the dedication. He had a tough choice to make between Eisenberg and Hollingworth, and he went with his gut despite one minor flaw.
“I wouldn’t wear those glasses, respectfully, but I’ll pick Jarren No. 1,” Duran said, drawing a laugh from many of the dozens of fans in at the Big Concourse inside the bowels of Fenway Park.
Hollingworth clarified afterward that he wears either glasses or prescription sunglasses, so he wouldn’t have been able to see if he had worn snazzy Duran-like sunglasses.
Social media stars Tommy Guarino and Chad “Prosciutto Papi” McDonough, hosted the event. They gave plenty of love to all contestants, but it was clear it was Hollingworth’s for the taking from the start.
“Duran might have to file a restraining order on him,” Guarino said. “He looks a little too much like him. No but seriously, he came prepared.”
“I think he’s been camping out,” McDonough added.
Kelsey Doherty, the Red Sox’ Senior Director of Brand and Social, said Duran felt like the right guy for the event given how much he means to the Boston fan base.
When she saw Hollingworth, she had a hunch he might take home the prize.
“He was the first contestant we saw in line,” Doherty said. “Immediately, it was like, ‘You must be here for the contest.’ He had the full look, the vibe, too. It was great.”
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