The Chicago White Sox were dealt a tough blow at the beginning of the year when it was announced that their star closer Liam Hendriks had being diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
The veteran right-hander missed the start of the season, but began his rehab when he became cancer-free.
And on Monday night, the three-time All-Star and two-time Reliever of the Year made his return at Guaranteed Rate Field in Chicago after months of recovery.
On Twitter, The Athletic posted a video of Hendriks’ entrance and the reception he received from the White Sox fanbase as he trotted out to the mound for the first time in 2023.
Liam Hendriks is back on the field after beating cancer.
What an entrance from the White Sox closer.
🎥 @MLBONFOX pic.twitter.com/GiChdxo2hY
— The Athletic MLB (@TheAthleticMLB) May 30, 2023
As he entered the game against the Los Angeles Angels in the top of the eighth inning, White Sox fans could be heard chanting his name, welcoming him back with open arms.
Hendriks was clearly moved by the moment and even shed some tears as the fans in Chicago serenaded him upon his return.
Moments like these are simply bigger than baseball.
Hendriks certainly had a tough battle on his hands and has more than a few harrowing stories to share about his experience battling cancer.
But the veteran closer overcame all of that and finally got a chance to step on a big-league mound for the first time in 2023.
Last season, the 34-year-old Australia native saved 37 games and posted a 2.81 ERA over 58 appearances.
Hendriks allowed two Angels runs to score, but that didn’t take away from what was truly a beautiful moment as he made his triumphant return.
NEXT: White Sox Announce Inspiring Liam Hendriks Comeback
