Dave Hannigan: Life in the fast lane of elite sport sport no protection against mental health issues

On a rainy night in Yankee Stadium four summers back, Jarren Duran stepped to the plate, saw the first pitch of his Major League Baseball career whizz towards him and duly dispatched it into centre-field for a handy single.

An auspicious start. That the Boston Red Sox chose to give him his debut away to their most hated rivals in The Bronx illustrated the esteem in which the prospect was held. Even though his team went on to lose the game, Duran showcased, with bat in hand and running the bases, a nascent talent that explained why Beantown fans had been eagerly awaiting his call-up to the show.

Like many rookies, Duran found it a little more difficult once the novelty wore off. Over the next few weeks, hits proved harder to come by than they had been for him during starring turns in minor league and collegiate ball. The pitchers were just that bit better. Adjustments were more difficult to make on the hoof.

Pretty soon the centre-fielder heard murmurs of discontent from the crowd. When his name was ...
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