Chicago White Sox closer Liam Hendriks had a really difficult start to his 2023.
He got a life-changing diagnosis and had to fight for his life.
He had to use that bulldog mentality of his while on the mound, but in life.
Fortunately for himself, his family, and baseball fans, he overcame every obstacle and made it all the way back to the majors.
For his courage and efforts, he was recognized on Tuesday with the American League Comeback Player of the Year award.
Liam Hendriks is the 2023 AL Comeback Player of the Year pic.twitter.com/PdtUrxGGJq
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) November 28, 2023
The 34-year-old power reliever learned in January that he had Stage 4 non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a form of cancer.
He completed multiple rounds of chemotherapy and followed doctors’ recommendations to the letter.
More than returning to the mound, he was aiming to be given a second chance in life.
He earned one: in April, he announced he was cancer-free.
From there, the road back to the majors started.
He kept his arm warm during his treatment, and after throwing a few bullpens and a couple of rehab assignments, he was able to return to the White Sox active roster in May.
The stadium showered him with applause and supportive messages in one of the most emotional moments of the 2023 campaign.
After throwing just five innings in the season, however, he suffered a devastating elbow injury that led to Tommy John surgery.
He is now slated to miss the entire 2024 season, but there is no reason to think he can’t come back in 2025 in top shape.
He might not have thrown too many MLB innings this season, but the comeback that earned him the award was made in life, and that’s what matters the most.
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