Manager Alex Cora has a request for fans attending Tuesday’s Red Sox-Blue Jays game at a chilly Fenway Park. He wants Jarren Duran to receive a standing ovation when he gets up for his first plate appearance in the bottom of the first inning.
Duran, who addressed reporters in the home clubhouse at Fenway Park for 15 minutes Tuesday, revealed in the fourth episode of Netflix’s “The Clubhouse: A Year with the Red Sox” docuseries that he attempted suicide with a rifle during an early part of his career. The previously unknown revelation became public Monday when a media embargo around the series was lifted.
Shortly after Duran discussed why he chose to go public with his attempt, Cora once again applauded his decision to come forward.
“Now, he’s standing in that clubhouse talking about real stuff,” Cora said. “It’s just the growth, for the player, for the person, and the relationships. We’re very proud of him. We’re saving lives now. That’s what he’s doing. He’s 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 right away, 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 and we’re very proud of him.”
In a clear show of support for Duran, a large group of teammates, coaches and front office members — in an unusual step — stood up and listened as Duran addressed a large number of media members in the home clubhouse Tuesday. Many hugged Duran or shook his hand once he finished speaking. Cora said he prefers to keep his recent conversations with Duran private. He applauded team executives, including senior director of baseball communications and media relations Abby Murphy, on helping the organization prepare for the Tuesday release of the much-anticipated documentary.
“It impacts a lot of people,” Cora said. “We prepared everybody … We stick like a family. Regardless of if we finish last or we win the World Series, we are a family. I know people hate that and it’s a cliché, but it’s not. Not here.
Cora acknowledged a curiosity within the clubhouse of what director Greg Whiteley and his camera crew captured with their unprecedented access during the 2024 season. Nothing else in the series, Cora said, will resonate quite like Duran’s story.
“That was part of it last year. We opened our doors. People are going to see it. I’ve been getting texts from a lot of people, especially family. I’m like, ‘No feedback.’ I want to see it in November,” Cora said. “They understand. I think the group did an amazing job opening the doors. The feedback has been OK, I guess. People see what really goes on every day in this job. Hopefully, they like it.
“In this case, out of the whole thing, the most important thing is what happened today with the kid. He’s saving lives.”
If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, you are not alone.
Samaritans Statewide Hotline
Call or Text: 1-877-870-HOPE (4673)
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255) Press # 1 if you are a Veteran
The Trevor Helpline
866-4-U-TREVOR (488-7386) Support designed for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth and young adults
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