30 years ago, longtime college basketball coach Jim Valvano gave perhaps the most inspiring speech in the history of sports at the ESPYS.
Valvano was battling terminal cancer, and this proved to be his final public appearance before his passing.
But because of his speech, cancer research improved and a new ESPY award was created.
This award is known as the “Jimmy V Perseverance Award,” to honor somebody in the sports world who has shown tremendous fight in the face of adversity.
Chicago White Sox closer Liam Hendriks battled cancer earlier this season, but later returned to the mound after winning his battle.
He was this year’s recipient of the award, and gave a must-see speech upon accepting it.
Jeff Passan posted the speech on Twitter.
Here is Liam Hendriks’ entire speech from the ESPYs last night. It is very much worth your time. pic.twitter.com/fuJqBiKDJq
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) July 13, 2023
Hendriks began by thanking his wife Kristi for her support.
He then talked about how cancer can have a major effect on a person’s life and how it changed him permanently.
However, Hendriks said that going through this process changed him for the better, and echoed some of Valvano’s sentiments, saying that it is important for people to enjoy every bit of life for as long as possible.
The veteran right-hander even mentioned that he had pitched through cancer before even being diagnosed, but noted that the fact that he came back from treatment and still threw 96 mph had nothing to do with his body, but rather his mind and having the confidence to be able to fight through it.
Hendriks finally thanked his fans for their support and expressed how it helped lift him in such a trying time.
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