Less than a week after returning to the roster after a four-month battle with Stage 4 non-Hodgkin lymphoma, Chicago White Sox closer Liam Hendricks picked up a victory in Sunday’s game against the Detroit Tigers. Fittingly, that victory came on National Cancer Survivors Day.
Hendriks hasn’t exactly had the start to the season that he would have hoped for, which has to be somewhat expected considering he has missed much of the season. He came into Sunday’s game with a 6.00 ERA after allowing two runs in his debut game against the Los Angeles Angels.
On Sunday, he showed the MLB world exactly why he has been one of the best relievers in baseball over the years. Hendriks came into the game in the top of the ninth inning in a tied game.
He would go on to retire the Tigers in order, striking out two in the process including a strikeout of Tyler Nevin which prompted a big fist pump from Hendriks as he walked off the field.
Another perfect inning for Liam Hendriks! pic.twitter.com/IXfSGLXhcV
— White Sox Talk (@NBCSWhiteSox) June 4, 2023
The White Sox came through in the bottom half of the inning after Hendriks impressive outing. White Sox third baseman Jake Burger came up clutch with a walk-off grand slam to send the home crowd in Chicago home happy.
JAKE BURGER WALK-OFF GRAND SLAM!!! 🤯 pic.twitter.com/jMRBBUnSBE
— White Sox Talk (@NBCSWhiteSox) June 4, 2023
It was potentially the most significant bright spot in what has otherwise been a disappointing season for the White Sox. Many around the MLB world took to social media to acknowledge just how fitting Hendriks win was on National Cancer Survivors Day.
You love to see it 👏👏
— Hunter Langille (@Hunter_Himself) June 4, 2023
Who’s cutting onions? 🥹
— DraftKings (@DraftKings) June 4, 2023
Baseball is the best ❤️ https://t.co/A92irWJmMt
— Liz (@Ellie_MayT) June 4, 2023
True inspiration💚 https://t.co/NtY8uSMa8j
— David McMillen III (@DavidMcMillen55) June 4, 2023
Love to see it. 💚⚾️ https://t.co/WULM7X59hN
— The Cactus League (@cactusleagueaz) June 4, 2023
You can’t make this up. Amazing 💚 https://t.co/1wsZkRjvGR
— Design MLB (@DesignMLB) June 4, 2023
Hendriks’ story of even being able to compete in the MLB this season is pretty unbelievable given the circumstances. Now he may be rounding back into form of being a top relief pitcher in baseball.