'Best news of 2023!' White Sox's Liam Hendriks announces he's 'cancer free' after being diagnosed with lymphoma in January
PERTH, AUSTRALIA: All-Star Chicago White Sox closer Liam Hendriks, 34, revealed he is in remission from Non-Hodgkins lymphoma, a cancer of the lymph system. Back in January, the star player announced his diagnosis, promptly began his treatment, and completed his final round of chemotherapy two weeks ago.
Hendriks took to Instagram to share his triumph on Thursday, April 20. He announced he is cancer free with several photos and videos documenting his treatment with a caption that read, "How It Started VS How It’s Going….REMISSION. It’s official. I’m cancer free," to which the Major League Baseball Players Association responded, "We couldn’t be happier for you @hendriks_31," while Major League Baseball commented, "Tremendous news! So happy for you, Liam."
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When will Liam Hendriks return to Chicago White Sox?
It is not clear when the star player will be able to return to the White Sox. Although the team did not place Hendricks on the 60-day injured list to begin the season, which means he could return before the end of May, considering his recovery. White Sox will be soon getting back one of its best closers in baseball. The Australia native is a three-time All-Star and a two-time winner of the Mariano Rivera American League Reliever of the Year Award. The 34-year-old has pitched in 12 big-league seasons, amassing a 3.81 ERA (109 ERA+) and a 4.58 strikeout-to-walk ratio to go with 115 saves.
'You held my hand every step of the way!'
In 2013, Hendriks married his wife Kristi and previously thanked her for sticking by his side during his tragic three-month-long diagnosis. "You held my hand every step of the way," he wrote in a message to his spouse of 10 years, as per Daily Mail. "You were my voice of confidence and always made sure I felt loved and safe throughout it all. I love you."
Aside from his baseball passion, Hendriks is a big hockey fan, rooting for the Montreal Canadiens. He revealed in an interview with NHL network in 2020, that he's "watched every game" and has "embraced the Habs lifestyle." The three-time All-Star is also a fan of the North Melbourne Football Club in the Australian Football League, also known as the AFL.
'Congratulations to Liam and his family!'
Internet users were obviously thrilled by Hendrik's victory. One user claimed it was the "Best news of 2023 right here!" while another added, "Looking forward to seeing him back on the field this year. Congratulations to Liam and his family. Wonderful news." A third simply shared a gif while a fourth tweeted, "We love Liam around here, honestly, I don’t care if he doesn’t pitch again, I just hope he’ll be okay. [heart emoji] you Liam." "Pretty much the only White Sox W all year. Hope to see Liam back on the mound soon," read another tweet.
Looking forward to seeing him back on the field this year. Congratulations to Liam and his family. Wonderful news.
— Andreas Bekiras (@AndreasBekiras1) April 20, 2023
We love Liam around here, honestly, I don’t care if he doesn’t pitch again, I just hope he’ll be okay. ❤️ you Liam.
— mojojojogillono (@mojojojogillono) April 20, 2023
Pretty much the only White Sox W all year. Hope to see Liam back on the mound soon.
— Fake Al Secord (@Not_Al_Secord) April 20, 2023
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