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'He's a fighter': Phillies minor leaguer Corey Phelan, 20, dies after leukemia battle

'Corey is and will always be a special person... His memory will live on,' said the Phillies minor league director

GREENLAWN, NEW YORK: Phillies minor leaguer Corey Phelan died at the age of 20 after fighting cancer, on Thursday, October 13. Phillies Player Development has announced the tragic death on Twitter in a heartfelt statement. "His memory will live on," the team wrote in the tribute.

Phelan, a native of New York, went undrafted before joining the Phillies in August 2020. The left-handed pitcher was assigned to the Phillies' Florida Complex League team, where he began his minor league career at the lowest level. He was expected to quickly rise through the minor league ranks, but his career was derailed when he was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma last year. As his treatment progressed, it became clear that his cancer was leukemia.

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Preston Mattingly, the Phillies minor league director, said in a statement on Twitter, "The Phillies family is extremely saddened by the tragic passing of Corey Phelan." He continued, "Corey’s positive presence and selflessness influenced everyone around him. While he was incredibly passionate about the game of baseball, his love for his family and his strong faith superseded everything else. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, as well as his teammates and staff who were by his side, providing emotional support throughout the course of his courageous battle with cancer."

Just two weeks ago, Corey posted his pictures on his Instagram account and wrote, "Can’t wait to get back out there."

New York Post reported that in the minors, Corey pitched 9²/₃ innings, allowing just one run on seven hits and four walks while striking out six. The Phillies family's director recalled his memories with the minor leaguer and wrote, "Corey is and will always be a special person. His smile lit up a room and everyone who came in contact with him cherished the interaction. His memory will live on, especially within the Phillies organization." "The strong kid" made an impression on the Phillies during a May visit to the team's clubhouse, which was arranged by then-manager Joe Girardi. Girardi said, "The kid is a fighter and he is a strong kid. He is mentally strong. He is tough. His whole family was here. He spoke to us and it was pretty moving"

Phelan gave the group's members green bracelets and told them that he had been following all of their games while recovering, showing that the feeling was mutual. Phelan said of the May meeting to MLB.com. It was awesome. I can’t put into words how awesome it was. Every time I can watch them on TV, depending on what channel they are playing on, I watch them and I root for them every game. I love watching them play. They bring my spirits up."

Minor League Baseball also expressed their condolences in a Twitter post that reads, "We are saddened by the passing of Corey Phelan, a prospect in the Phillies organization. Our thoughts are with Corey's family, friends and teammates." A baseball columnist also wrote, "Phillies pitching prospect Corey Phelan dies after six-month battle with cancer. So unfair. 20. RIP. And best thoughts for the Phelan family."

Sports personalities also shared deep thoughts on Twitter. One user wrote, "I am shaken and distraught to hear of the loss of Corey Phelan.May the Phelan family find peace knowing that their son and loved one was a beacon of joy and faith and that he has impacted so many in a positive way as he battled for his life and all that is good. Rip Corey." Another wrote, "RIP Corey Phelan. I am blessed because of how you lived. But I am transformed because of how you died. Full of joy and hope for eternity with our God. You have the courage of stars. Your light will carry on endlessly, even after death. (@sleepingatlast)" One person tweeted, "Devastated to learn of the passing of @Phillies pitching prospect Corey Phelan. I had a chance to chat with Corey in June. The team has been his inspiration throughout his fight with cancer. May HE be THEIRS now. Gone too soon. #WinForCorey #RingTheBell"

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