Almost six months after being diagnosed with cancer, Chicago White Sox closer Liam Hendriks returned to the mound on Monday night against the Los Angeles Angels.
He had the joy to do it in front of his fans at Guaranteed Rate Field in Chicago.
He spent months fighting cancer, going to appointments, undergoing chemotherapy, and suffering from one of the worst diseases humans have ever known.
He was strong and determined enough to win the battle and return to doing what he loves: playing baseball.
That’s why Monday was a special day for him.
After the game, he discussed what he felt by walking to the mound, hearing people cheer and chant his name, and throw that first MLB pitch since last year.
“Liam Hendriks: ‘I want to thank everyone that stood up and clapped. I did take a minute and look around the crowd and soaked it in a little…It was definitely emotional,'” ESPN’s Jesse Rogers tweeted, quoting the pitcher.
Liam Hendriks: "I want to thank everyone that stood up and clapped. I did take a minute and look around the crowd and soaked it in a little…It was definitely emotional."
— Jesse Rogers (@JesseRogersESPN) May 30, 2023
It was a touching moment for Hendriks, his wife, his family, fans at the stadium, and thousands of people watching on TV.
Watching him pitch felt like a victory for every one of the 30 teams in the league.
Results-wise, the outing wasn’t too smooth, as he conceded two runs and three hits in an inning of work.
It doesn’t matter: in a matter of days, he will get to where he wants to be.
As long as he is healthy, he can consider himself lucky, happy, and complete.
Everything else will come in due time.
NEXT: White Sox Release A Heartfelt Liam Hendriks Video
