Hendriks advocates for change after Highland Park parade shooting

CHICAGO – White Sox closer Liam Hendriks provided powerful, cogent thoughts after Monday morning’s tragic shooting at a Fourth of July parade in Highland Park, a Northern suburb of Chicago located 27 miles from the city, leaving at least six dead and 24 injured as of early Monday evening.

“Unfortunately, in this day and age, it’s becoming all too commonplace. I think the access to the weaponry that is being kind of used in these things is …. Something needs to change. Something needs to be done,” Hendriks said. “Something needs to happen because there’s way too many people losing their lives and it’s not only about the people who lose their lives.

“The families of that, the tragedy they go through, the entire community when people are concerned about leaving the house, concerned about doing the day-to-day things of going to work or any number of these things. We really need to reflect on what’s going on. I don’t think enough is being done.

“Too many people are dying and it’s no excuse to say, ‘I’m on this side or that side.' At some point, things need to get done or else it’s getting to the point where civilization as you know it may be ending just to the fact there’s two drastically different sides. Something needs to change. Something needs to happen, and it needs to happen quick.”

Monday’s contest with the Twins at Guaranteed Rate Field remained scheduled for a 7:10 p.m. CT start time. The White Sox issued a statement stating the team consulted with Major League Baseball before deciding to play, although planned postgame fireworks were cancelled. A moment of silence was set to be held before first pitch.

“Our hearts are with the Highland Park community. The entire Chicago White Sox organization expresses our deepest sympathies to the families and friends of the innocent victims of today's horrific shooting and all of those who have been affected by this tragedy,” said the White Sox statement, before addressing the game decision.

“Unfortunately, it’s almost daily,” White Sox manager Tony La Russa said. “Way too frequently. Even when there’s an explanation, there’s no explanation. Doesn’t make sense.”

A T-shirt hanging next to Hendriks’ locker also drew attention, reading “Stars & Stripes & Reproductive Rights,” referencing the Supreme Court’s recent decision to overturn Roe V. Wade, thus ending Americans’ constitutional right to abortion that had been in existence for almost five decades. The shirt was originally purchased by his wife, Kristi, and Liam asked for one of his own when he saw it hanging in their closet.

The Hendriks have given back to the Chicagoland community since arriving to the club prior to the 2021 season.

Hendriks stands strong behind his beliefs, saying, “I stand for what I believe in, and I don’t necessarily care if people like my opinion or like me for that. I like me and that’s all I really care about.

“You have to take care of what you believe in. … Hopefully the world can change soon because I think it’s necessary.”