Local family ties reach the professional diamond

Release

DURANT — Although he never lived in Durant, professional baseball outfielder Blaine Bullard maintains strong family ties to the community through multiple generations.

Bullard, originally from Klein, Texas, is the grandson of longtime Durant residents Marcie and David Herron, who have followed his baseball journey from an early age. His parents, Chad Bullard, a Durant native, and Tara Bullard, originally from Stillwater, Oklahoma, raised him in Texas, where he developed into a standout multi-sport athlete and one of the region’s top baseball prospects.

The Bullard family’s Oklahoma connections extend further through Blaine’s aunt and uncle, Dr. Blake Bullard, a Durant native, and Bethany Bullard, reinforcing the family’s longstanding roots in the area.

Built through years of disciplined development, Bullard’s baseball career has been marked by athleticism, strong outfield defense, and a mature approach at the plate. His performance earned him a college commitment, and he originally signed to play baseball at Texas A&M University, reflecting both his academic and athletic achievements.

Bullard ultimately chose to begin his professional career after being selected in the Major League Baseball Draft and signing his first professional contract. He is scheduled to report on February 11 to the Toronto Blue Jays player development complex in Dunedin, Florida, where he will take part in spring training.

“Watching him at tournaments all the way back to when he was eight or nine years old, he was special,” said Dr. Blake Bullard. “We are excited to continue to follow his journey.”

As Bullard begins his professional career in Florida, his success serves as a point of pride for his extended family in Durant and across Oklahoma.

BULLARD FACTS