Michael Duran

Michael L. Duran, Jr. was a handsome, funny, intelligent and athletic young man who chose the wrong path three years prior to his death. His love for baseball began when he was only two years old; he would sit with his dad and watch major league baseball. He loved music and learned to play the piano and the guitar. At six, he played chess and was able to beat most adults. He loved to fish, camp, hunt, jet-ski, and snowboard. He enjoyed the challenge of the black diamonds. Michael began playing baseball at the age of five in little league, as well as club ball, and was coached by his dad throughout the years. He was on varsity and lettered in the 8th grade. He also played basketball and soccer, but his passion was baseball.

Like most boys, he dreamed of being a professional ballplayer. He was a typical teenager, he was a total slob, and lazy when it came to doing anything other than sports!!! He often demanded to be the center of attention and quite often reminded us that he knew it all! He enjoyed his role as big brother and took great pleasure in driving his sister crazy, most especially in their teen years! His dream was to someday return to California where he spent a semester in college; he also attended NMSU.

On February 2, 2011, at the young age of 19, Michael lost his battle to drug addiction. We will never see him live his dreams, we will never see him have a family of his own, nor will we be blessed with the nine children (baseball team) he often told us he would have one day. We will forever miss him and he will always be in our hearts. There is not a day that goes by that we do not think of him – our lives will never be the same. Michael – We love you, you are finally at peace.

– Mom, Dad, and Nikkie