Liam Hendriks, one of Australia’s best baseball players in history, said on Monday morning that he has been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
The Chicago White Sox closer announced the news on his Instagram account, adding he would begin cancer treatment this week and “embrace” the challenge ahead.
“As a professional athlete, I have always been mindful to try and use my position in the public eye to the most positive ends possible by shining a light on causes or issues that touch close to home for myself, my wife and my family,” Hendriks wrote.
“It is in that spirit that I want to share some personal health news I have learned in the last few days, and do so on my own terms.
“Recently, I was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. 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 this fight and overcome this new challenge with the same determination I have used when facing other obstacles in my life.
“My treatment begins tomorrow, and 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 organisation, along with the treatment and care from my doctors, I will get through this.”
White Sox GM Rick Hahn said the organisation’s thoughts were with Hendriks “the person, not the baseball player”.
“I know the entire Chicago White Sox organisation, our staff, his teammates, and certainly White Sox fans, will rally in support of Liam and Kristi during the coming months,” Hahn said.
“Knowing everyone involved, especially Liam, we are optimistic he will pitch again for the White Sox as soon as viable. In the meantime, we all will do everything in our power to support our teammate and his family as they face this challenge, while also respecting their privacy.
“We do not expect to have any updates on Liam’s playing status prior to Opening Day at the very earliest.”
An All-Star in 2019, 2021 and 2022, Hendricks holds the record for the most strikeouts for an Australian-born MLB player with 724.
He also made MBL history in 2021 by signing a $US54 million, three-year deal with current team Chicago, the “biggest aggregate annual contract” offered to a reliever.
Speaking to foxsports.com.au at the time, Hendriks opened up on his baseball journey to that point, including his inspirational comeback from multiple injuries.
“I never really felt like quitting,” he said at the time.
“There were times where I felt like I may be close to the precipice but there was never a time where I felt like hey, I’m done I’m going to quit.
“That word has never been in my vocabulary.”
Hendriks has played 12 seasons in the MLB and played 58 games in his second season with the White Sox, going 4-4 with a 2.81 ERA and 37 saves,
