On Monday, the entire baseball world was filled with joy when Chicago White Sox closer Liam Hendriks took the mound for the first time this season.
The three-time All-Star had been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma back in January and spent the next five months recovering.
The veteran right-hander is now cancer free and made his return to the mound against the Los Angeles Angels.
But Hendriks’ story has captured the hearts of many around the game of baseball, from fans, analysts, coaches, and players alike.
On Tuesday, former White Sox star catcher A.J. Pierzynski and MLB analyst Scott Braun sported T-shirts to honor Hendriks after winning his battle with cancer.
.@scottbraun and @aj_pierzynskiFT celebrating Liam Hendriks with the shirts today 💚#FTLive ▶️ https://t.co/xxOsexv6ZW pic.twitter.com/YCDT5kwHrm
— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) May 30, 2023
The shirts being worn by Braun and Pierzynski have the words “close out cancer” inscribed on them, which is a nod to Hendriks being an elite closer.
And Hendriks certainly closed out cancer.
It was a long battle for the two-time American League Reliever of the Year, who missed the start of the 2023 season.
But at long last, Hendriks is back in action in what has proven to be the feel-good story of the year so far.
Things such as this are simply bigger than sports, and one can’t help but feel a sense of joy, knowing that Hendriks has finally emerged victorious in his long and arduous battle with the disease.
NEXT: MLB World Reacts To Liam Hendriks' Heroic Return
