First Place Finish at Dodger Stadium
Jose R. Duran IV, a 9-year-old from Hesperia, California, won first place in the 9-10 baseball division of the MLB Pitch, Hit & Run Team Championship at Dodger Stadium on Sept. 19, 2026.
Duran represented Hesperia National Little League at the competition, which is Major League Baseball’s official youth skills event for players ages 7 through 14. The contest tests participants in three fundamental areas: hitting, pitching accuracy, and running speed.
Following his victory, Duran collected dirt from the field in his pocket to keep as a memento. He told reporters he instructed his mother not to shake out his pants because of the dirt, which he later transferred into a baggie upon returning home.
Path to the Championship
Duran’s qualification for the Dodger Stadium event began more than five months earlier. On April 12, he competed in the Little League District 49 Pitch, Hit & Run competition held at Hesperia Community Park. District 49 includes 13 leagues throughout the High Desert region.
Duran also took first place in his division at that April 12 district event before advancing to the national-level championship in Los Angeles.
Discipline and Inspiration
The young athlete credited his success to a rigorous training routine that balances early morning exertion with afternoon technical work. His schedule includes morning workouts, hitting off a tee, and sprints, followed by afternoon practices conducted alongside his father.
When asked about the sources of his motivation, Duran cited two distinct influences: family legacy and professional admiration. He named his great-grandfather, after whom he is named, as his biggest inspiration. Additionally, he identified Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman as his favorite player, noting that he admires Freeman for his humility and respect for the game.
Next Steps in the Competition
The victory at Dodger Stadium marks a significant milestone, but it is not the final stage of the tournament. Duran’s winning score will be compared against other teams to determine further advancement in the competition.