2023 hasn’t been easy for Chicago White Sox closer Liam Hendriks.
He was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a form of cancer that represented the biggest test of his life to this point.
He had to endure several rounds of chemotherapy, with everything that comes with that.
This week, however, feels different.
The All-Star reliever announced in a video to fans that he’s beginning his last round of chemotherapy.
RING THAT BELL!
(via hendriks_31 • IG) pic.twitter.com/WauRHobLyK
— Sox On 35th (@SoxOn35th) April 5, 2023
That’s the best possible news baseball fans could get this Wednesday.
Hendriks, a fiery personality on the mound, was down for a few seconds, but he beat the count and is stronger and more alive than ever.
The White Sox expect him back at some point this season, and so are fans.
People on Twitter reacted positively to the excellent news.
LIAM HENDRIKS HAS BEAT CANCER! So happy he’s okay🫶
— Jake “Iggy” Ignaszewski (@JakeIggy) April 5, 2023
so happy to see liam hendriks is cancer free
— luke (@wallowigii) April 5, 2023
Over the years, Hendriks has beaten some of the toughest opponents in the American League.
He had to prepare for this particular off-the-field battle, but he came out victorious, too, as he has done many times.
He thanked his wife and his fans for giving him love and support along the way.
White Sox’s Liam Hendriks rings victory bell after last round of chemotherapy”To family, friends and fans: Your support kept me going. You kept me in the right frame of mind to beat this.”https://t.co/AHNn5LUzhO
— DJ Kamal Mustafa (@DJKamalMustafa1) April 5, 2023
Now, he will also feed from their prayers, love, and strength to come back this season and help the White Sox achieve their goals.
They are a good ballclub, but having Hendriks back and protecting leads in the ninth inning gives them that extra boost.
There is no word on when he could return, but that’s not the priority right now.
Today, the world of baseball celebrates that one of their own gets to keep competing at the highest level.
