After a tough outing in which he was charged for Boston’s loss to the New York Mets, Red Sox relief pitcher Liam Hendriks took to Instagram to address a disturbing reality he and his wife have faced: online threats and harassing comments from certain fans. His message was clear and heartfelt.
“Just as an FYI: Threats against my life and my wife’s life are horrible and cruel. You need help,” Hendriks shared in his Instagram story. He went on to denounce the vile comments suggesting he should commit suicide or wishing cancer upon him — words that no one should have to endure, particularly a player who’s already faced significant personal struggles.
For context, Hendriks is no stranger to adversity. The three-time All-Star revealed in January 2023 that he had been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and after a courageous battle that included chemotherapy, he announced he was cancer-free just a few months later. He made his season debut in May but faced a setback, as he had to undergo Tommy John surgery, which ultimately sidelined him for the entire 2024 campaign.
In light of this experience, Hendriks expressed a powerful message: “Maybe you should take a step back and reevaluate your life’s purpose before hiding behind a screen attacking players and their family,” he stated. “Whether you do it from your ‘fake accounts’ or are dumb enough to do it from your real account.” His words resonate, highlighting a broader issue within sports—how players often bear the brunt of unfiltered negativity from fans.
In that game, Hendriks faced five batters, giving up three hits and three earned runs, with a 5-1 defeat marking a tough night on the mound. Afterward, he wasn’t shy about owning up to his performance. “Regardless of any situation, I’ve got to go out there and get the job done when I do pitch,” he noted candidly, acknowledging the disappointment of not delivering in a critical moment.
Stepping into the 2024 season, Hendriks signed a two-year deal with the Red Sox, with the first year focusing on his recovery and rehabilitation. Now, the 36-year-old is eager to find his footing again. Prior to his latest outing, he expressed frustration about his role in the bullpen. “No rhyme or reason. I have no idea,” he spoke candidly about his situation, revealing the conversations he’s had with the team regarding his usage.
“I just want to pitch, because the track record over the course of however long speaks for itself,” Hendriks said. “The more I pitch, the better I get. If the theory is you want the best me, throw me.”
Red Sox manager Alex Cora recognized the delicate balance of managing Hendriks’ return and his contributions to the team. “We have to use him. That’s on me,” Cora stated, emphasizing the importance of trusting Hendriks’ capabilities. “Right now, numbers-wise, he has been solid… We have to use him.”
Cora’s insight underscores an essential truth about managing a veteran athlete’s return: safeguarding their wellbeing while ensuring they have the opportunity to contribute to the team’s success. Hendriks has proven his resilience, and it’s evident that the Red Sox need him to be a significant part of their bullpen as they navigate the challenges of a demanding season ahead.
