Jarren Duran addresses his Netflix revelation
Jarren Duran didn't have to stand in the middle of the Red Sox' clubhouse Tuesday afternoon. And he certainly didn't have to utter the words on the recently-released Netflix docuseries "The Clubhouse" that elicited the meeting with the media.
But all of it is important. More than just a talking point on a TV show. More than a baseball game. More than just some passing sound bytes.
Alex Cora reiterated the reality of Duran's revelation that he attempted to take his own life in 2022 after dealing with mental health issues: He is saving lives. That's is why the entire conversation has been so vital, a fact the Red sox manager reminded us once again after his outfielder's meeting with the media.
"I remember him getting a game-winning hit in Tampa and he didn’t want to talk to you guys because everything was so negative. But now he’s standing in that clubhouse talking about real stuff. The growth, for the player, for the person, the relationship, we’re very proud of him," Cora said. "We’re saving lives now. That’s what he’s doing. Saving lives. For a guy who wears his emotions on his sleeve I think we should applaud him. Obviously, it’s not going to be a packed house tonight with the weather but he should get a standing ovation, not for what he went through but what he’s doing with it. He should be nominated already for the Roberto Clemente (Award) right now. He should win it, to be honest with you. Just because of what he said and what he’s doing. He’s saving lives. I’m proud of him."
The honor of which Cora spoke was an annual honor given to the Major League Baseball that, "best exemplifies the game of baseball, sportmanship and community involvement and the individual's contribution to his team."
With his actions - which is also now including a newly-launched foundation - Duran is checking off a lot of those boxes.
As MLB.com wrote: Samaritans, Inc., a Boston-based suicide prevention and mental health services center that includes a telephone hotline and peer-to-peer texting service for people up to 24 years old, said they received three times the amount of communications as normal on Monday night.
"It means a lot,” Duran said of the outpouring of support. "That was the whole purpose of me sharing. It's not easy to talk about, but I just really thought deep down that if I could help at least one person, that it was gonna be meaningful. And to hear that is awesome. I hope I can help inspire people to talk about it more."
He added, "I've definitely reached out a lot more than I used to, and that's a big thing for me. And even when I tell myself, ‘I'm not going to bother someone with this,’ l go back to like stuff that I journaled before that told me like, ‘Hey, if you ever get into this headspace again, make sure you reach out.’ So I just kind of remind myself that it's important to reach out and just knowing that other people are doing that, because I talk about it, it's really heartwarming. And I hope that I can help spread the love that people need to support each other."
The reminder is a powerful one, not only for those going through mental health struggles, but also the parents and support systems which might need a push to check in on their friends and loved ones.
It has been the type of moment in time which many will look back on and point to as a most powerful turning point.
That's why these words - whether on Netflix or in the Red Sox clubhouse - have been so important.
"For me, I just want people to feel like they have somebody to talk to and that we can get them the help they need," Duran said. “I know I want to kind of focus on everybody, but also the younger generation, because I know growing up I had no idea what was going on. So I feel like if we can help them at a younger age, it just prepares them for their adulthood."
"Obviously, it impacts a lot of people," Cora noted. "We prepared everybody. Abby did an amazing job with everybody. She has been amazing. It’s what we do. We stick like a family, regardless of whether we finish last or win the World Series. We are a family. I know people hate that and say it’s a cliche. But not, not here. It’s not. I love the people I work with and we’re very proud of that kid."