Liam Hendriks recorded 37 saves last year (third in MLB) and made his third All-Star appearance for the American League. He led the AL with a career-high 38 saves in the 2021 season after leaving the Oakland Athletics to sign a $US54 million ($A78m), three-year contract with the White Sox. Everything was going well until the All-Star closer announced on Sunday that he has been diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, a form of cancer.
The three-time All-Star pitcher from Perth said he is scheduled to begin treatment on Monday. He wrote: “Hearing the word ‘Cancer’ came as a shock to my wife and I, as it does to millions of families each year.” He added, “I am confident that I will make a full recovery and be back on the mound as soon as possible. I know with the support of my wife, my family, my teammates, and the Chicago White Sox organization, along with the treatment and care from my doctors, I will get through this.”
Earlier Sunday evening, Liam Hendriks announced he is beginning treatment tomorrow for Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. We’re all with you, Liam! 💚 pic.twitter.com/iLF1IpByp5
— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) January 9, 2023
White Sox general manager Rick Hahn said the club does not expect to have an update on Hendriks’ status prior to opening day in March. “Our thoughts and reactions at this time are for Liam the person, not Liam the baseball player,” he said. “I know the entire Chicago White Sox organization, our staff, his teammates, and certainly White Sox fans, will rally in support of Liam and Kristi during the coming months. Knowing everyone involved, especially Liam, we are optimistic he will pitch again for the White Sox as soon as viable. “In the meantime, we all will do everything in our power to support our teammate and his family as they face this challenge, while also respecting their privacy.” Well-wishers have been flooding in for Hendriks on social media.
Sad to hear our good friend Liam Hendriks has been diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Treatment begins tomorrow and we are very hopeful that he will get through this. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/HFDSIMnC4v
— Codify (@CodifyBaseball) January 9, 2023
Liam Hendriks is a beloved teammate, a tremendous person and a true fighter. Can’t wait to see him back on the field. https://t.co/yRcwKrzjHR
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) January 9, 2023
You got this 🫡
— Nick Tyrell (@nicktyrell) January 9, 2023
You got this Liam. 🙏🏻
We are all behind you.
— Matt Williams (@MattWi77iams) January 9, 2023
Absolutely awful news about Liam Hendriks. Praying for him and his family. Baseball is obviously second to his recover
— Noah Phalen (@Noahp245) January 9, 2023
Really sad to hear about Liam Hendriks, hope he can make a full recovery from this, I love the energy he brings to the mound every outing
— Dom (@BronxBmbrz) January 9, 2023
Liam’s cancer, non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a type of cancer that begins in your lymphatic system while noting that medical advancements have improved the outlook for people diagnosed with the disease. In non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, white blood cells called lymphocytes grow abnormally and can form growths (tumors) throughout the body. Advances in the diagnosis and treatment of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma have helped improve the prognosis for people with this disease.
The baseball world is sending away all their thoughts and prayers to the champ’s way, wishing him a speedy recovery. We hope he will fight strong and be back on track very soon.
