While 2023 began full of hope and happiness for most, Chicago White Sox closer Liam Hendriks received the worst news of his life.
He was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a form of cancer, in January.
Suddenly, baseball wasn’t the priority anymore.
It wasn’t easy, but Hendriks’ determination made it happen: on April 5, he closed the chapter by ringing the victory bell after his last round of chemo.
He started stretching his arm even before that point, went on a rehab assignment this month, and is now ready to rejoin the White Sox before Monday’s game against the Los Angeles Angels.
He will be activated from the injured list before the game.
The White Sox posted a nice message for him with a cool video, containing key moments in the recent past and some teammates speaking about what Hendriks means to the squad.
Your journey is an inspiration. We couldn’t be more proud.
Welcome back, Liam Hendriks! pic.twitter.com/fbQ6jwJsks
— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) May 28, 2023
Hendriks has become an inspiration; not only for his teammates but for the entire baseball universe and even for cancer patients.
They see hope by looking at his story.
Hendriks completed six minor league rehab appearances at Triple-A Charlotte and a live bullpen session against a few of his rehabbing teammates on Friday.
He is just about ready to remind the world about what he can do on a major league mound.
For reference, he hasn’t had an ERA above 2.81 since 2019.
Despite being 34 years old, he remains very, very good at throwing a baseball.
He is expected to resume closer duties in the South side of Chicago.
