White Sox Star Closer Liam Hendriks Diagnosed With Cancer

Like with the recent case of Buffalo Bills' safety Damar Hamlin in the NFL, we get another reminder today that there are more important things than the game on the field. Liam Hendriks, one of baseball's top closers for the past several years, has announced that he has been diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma.

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

"Hearing the word 'Cancer' came as a shock to my wife and I, as it does to millions of families each year. However, I am resolved to embrace the fight and overcome this new challenge with the same determination I have used when facing other obstacles in my life," Hendriks wrote in an Instagram post. 

"... 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."

The 33-year-old Aussie has been the Chicago White Sox closer for the past two seasons, and is a 3-time All-Star, while leading the league in saves in 2021. He has 115 career saves, all but one in the past four years. 

The White Sox issued their own statement this evening, saying they're supporting him every step of the way, while adding that they won't have any updates on his playing status "prior to Opening Day at the very earliest."

Our prayers and best wishes to Hendriks, who, as noted by Jeff Passan, is indeed a beloved teammate and a tremendous person.

Photo: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports