Red Sox’s Liam Hendriks, Cancer Survivor, Blasts Fans for Vile Death Threats

Boston Red Sox relief pitcher Liam Hendriks, a cancer survivor and three-time All-Star, faced a tough night at Fenway Park, surrendering three earned runs in a 5-1 loss to the New York Mets. But the real low blow came off the field. On Thursday, Hendriks took to Instagram to call out fans sending him and his wife death threats, including vile comments wishing he had died from his 2023 non-Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosis. "Threats against my life and my wife’s life are horrible and cruel. You need help," he wrote, urging detractors to "reevaluate your life’s purpose" instead of hiding behind screens.

Hendriks’ journey is one of grit. Diagnosed with cancer in January 2023, he defied odds, returning to pitch for the Chicago White Sox in just five months. Yet, after only five appearances, he underwent Tommy John surgery, sidelining him for the 2024 season. The Red Sox signed him to a two-year, $10 million deal, banking on his resilience. This season, though, hasn’t been kind—Hendriks carries a 5.56 ERA over 11 games. Still, his 14-year career boasts a 33-35 record, 3.85 ERA, and 738 strikeouts in 661.1 innings.

The pitcher’s message was clear: whether from fake or real accounts, the hate crosses a line. "Enough is enough," he declared, speaking for athletes everywhere who endure this toxic side of fandom. It’s a stark reminder that sports, meant to unite, can sometimes reveal humanity’s darker edges.