I’ve had conversations with him plenty of times about the LGBT community and he’s been nothing but supportive.
Hendriks believes the outfielder will emerge as a better person for the experience.
“I hope that the community recognizes the work that he’s putting in to make sure of that,” Hendriks said.
After overcoming Stage 4 non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, Hendriks has met cancer patients before games on many occasions this season, home and away.
“This doesn’t define who [Duran] is as a person,” Hendriks said.
But as Hendriks noted, it’s often early in the morning before a workout or a game and some players sleepwalk through the sessions.
“It’s always a tough time in spring training but there’s more engagement than there used to be,” Hendriks said.
“I want everyone to feel like they’re in an inclusive environment and have a comfortable place to go,” he said.
“This is the result of being angry,” Hendriks said to the Globe. However, Jarren is someone I know. I have discussed the LGBT community with him on numerous occasions, and he has always been very encouraging.
“I am aware that the word that was used was disparaging, but it had nothing to do with that community or with any attempt to disparage anyone who belongs there. I cherish that more than anything else—I know where his heart is. “.
The Red Sox suspended Duran for two games, and he is not expected to play against Texas on Tuesday night. The outfielder will grow as a person as a result of the experience, according to Hendriks.
“My wish is that the community acknowledges the efforts he’s making to guarantee that,” Hendriks expressed.
A 13-year veteran of the major leagues, Hendriks has been nominated five times for the Roberto Clemente Award for community service and has previously stated that he would not sign with a team that did not have a Pride Night.
In Chicago, he performed and collaborated with neighborhood organizations to generate funds for LGBTQ+ causes.
This season, Hendriks has encountered cancer patients prior to numerous home and away games, having recovered from Stage 4 non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
Regarding matters unrelated to the game, his remarks are significant.
“This does not characterize [Duran] as a person,” Hendriks remarked. We’ve been chatting for a few months now, and we’ve discussed my status in the community and my efforts to present the best possible image.
“He doesn’t do this on a regular basis or anything similar. It wasn’t insulting at all. Sadly, it’s a word that should be banned because it’s often used in angry situations.
It’s not as though he opposes LGBT people or anything. He accidentally said the wrong word due to a slip of the tongue. As a team, we’ll overcome this. “.
When Hendriks signed with the Twins after arriving from Australia in 2007, he began his career in professional baseball. He feels that during his tenure in the game, baseball has improved.
Hendriks answered, “I believe so.”. If there were a gay player on this team, I genuinely believe he would be accepted more than others. Both this organization and the teams I’ve represented have been like that. “.
Duran will “atone more than enough to get past this,” according to Hendriks. “.
In addition to the suspension, Duran is required by the terms of the agreement between the Red Sox and Major League Baseball to undergo additional sensitivity training.
During spring training, this kind of instruction is mandatory for all coaches and athletes. But as Hendriks pointed out, some players sleepwalk through the sessions because it’s frequently early in the morning before an exercise or game.
Spring training is always difficult, but there is more interest than in the past, according to Hendriks. “[MLB] made a deliberate attempt. It seems like the floor has been raised. “.
Hendriks acknowledged that he has gay friends, but he did not pinpoint a single cause for his strong feelings on the matter.
He declared, “I want everyone to feel like they’re in a welcoming environment and have a comfortable place to go.”. “Religion, gender, sexual orientation, race, creed, or anything similar should not be grounds for passing judgment on someone.
“There are no barriers to entry, and I believe that everyone should have equal opportunities.”. It shouldn’t be too difficult to get to. “.
