White Sox Pitcher
Liam Hendriks, a pitcher for the Chicago White Sox, claims he has non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
The 33-year-old announced his resolve to battle the illness, lymphatic system cancer, in an Instagram post on Sunday.
Not The First Time
This is by no means the first or last time an MLB player has encountered difficulties as a result of a health issue. About a year ago, former MLB pitcher Jim Corsi disclosed that he had Stage IV colon cancer and liver cancer, both of which are terminal, and that his doctors had told him that he did not have much time left to live.
He passed away on the 4th of January 2022.
Before Corsi passed he discussed his strategy to approaching his final days in an interview with WBZ-TV Boston in which he was joined by his two daughters.
When asked if he was terrified of dying, Corsi replied, “No,” while trying to hold back tears. “I’m content. I’m confident I’ll enter a better place if I pass away. The first thing is that. I feel bad for everyone I’ll be leaving behind.”
The 60-year-old Corsi participated in 10 MLB seasons (1988–1999) for five different teams: the Athletics, Red Sox, Orioles, Marlins, and Astros.
A Reliever
Corsi, a reliever, had 368 appearances and finished with a 22-24 record, a 3.25 earned run average, and 290 strikeouts. Additionally, he made seven saves.
The episode also featured a video from Julianne Corsi’s wedding in October 2020, at which Corsi served as her maid of honor.
In a speech during the wedding, which was shown in the program, Corsi remarked, “I want more time. All of us desire more time. It matters to us.”
Regarding Corsi’s attempt to accompany Julianne down the aisle despite his health issues, Julianne stated:
The most crucial thing he could have done was that. It was merely so special and important. It was incredible.
In the piece, there was also a video of Corsi receiving a video call from his former teammate Dennis Eckersley while lying in a hospital bed. The Yankees selected Corsi in the 25th round of the 1982 MLB Draft.
Public Figure
Hendriks, a professional sports figure, stated that he “has always sought to use his position in the public eye for the most good by shining a light on causes or concerns that touch near to home for himself, his wife, and his family.”
“As it does for millions of families every year, hearing the word “Cancer” shocked my wife and me. But I’m determined to battle and get through this new obstacle with the same tenacity I’ve shown in overcoming prior challenges in my life,” he stated.
Hendriks declared that his medical care will begin on Monday and that he is “confident” in completing his recovery.
The Australian pitcher had the backing of the White Sox as well.
White Sox general manager Rick Hahn issued a statement saying, “Our thoughts and reactions at this time are for Liam the person, not Liam the baseball player.”
“I am confident that Liam and Kristi will receive support from the whole Chicago White Sox organization, our staff, his teammates, and undoubtedly White Sox fans, throughout the future months.”
He May Return
“We are confident that he will throw again for the White Sox as soon as it is practical given our knowledge of everyone involved, including Liam. While maintaining their privacy, we will all do everything we can to help our teammate and his family as they deal with this challenge in the meantime,” added Hahn.
Hendriks has played for the Minnesota Twins, Kansas City Royals, Toronto Blue Jays, Oakland Athletics, and White Sox over the course of 12 seasons. His 724 strikeouts, 3.81 ERA (Earned run average), and 115 saves represent career highs.
Written By Dylan Santoyo
Sources
USA TODAY: ‘I’m at peace’: Former MLB relief pitcher Jim Corsi reveals terminal cancer diagnosis
CNN SPORTS: Chicago White Sox pitcher Liam Hendriks says he’s been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
MLB: Jim Corsi, former Red Sox pitcher, dies
Top and Featured Image Courtesy of D.L.’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
Inset Image Courtesy of Tony’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
