Liam Hendriks might pitch for the Chicago White Sox, but everyone in Twins Territory has been rooting for him over the last few months.
Hendriks was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma during the offseason, and began undergoing chemotherapy to try and beat his cancer.
It appears one of the best closers in the game is about the get the most important save of his life.
As part of the White Sox opening ceremony, the team brought on a special guest to get the game started. Hendriks appeared on the video board and celebrated the return of baseball with an incredible update on his battle with cancer.
"I just wanted to let you know, I'm starting my last round of chemo today," Hendriks said with a smile. "So I'll see you on the South Side soon. Play ball."
A special message from Liam Hendriks: pic.twitter.com/kSE1bjBkZD
— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) April 3, 2023
Hendriks began his career in Minnesota back in 2011 and spent two full seasons with the Twins. It's times like this, though, that rivalries melt away and we're reminded that baseball is not just a game, rather it's a bond shared by all who enjoy it.
Not to get ahead of ourselves, but things are lining up for Hendriks to potentially make his return against his former team. Chicago didn't place him on the 60-day IL at the start of the season, which means he could be back shortly after finishing his final round of chemo.
Minnesota makes a trip to the South Side at the beginning of May, which lines up with a possible timeline for Hendriks to return. It'll be a few weeks out from his final round of chemo, he'll have likely made a few appearances in the minors to shake off the rust, and would be making his triumphant return in front of a home crowd -- and the Twins.
For as many bare-knuckled moments the Twins-White Sox rivalry has had, this would go down as one of the more incredible moments the two teams have shared. Even if his return doesn't happen against Minnesota, seeing Hendriks back on the mound will be a cherrished moment for all involved.