White Sox express love, admiration for Hendriks

GLENDALE, Ariz. -- There has been a common theme running through every interview with White Sox players over the four days of Spring Training: How is Liam Hendriks? Have you been able to interact with him since getting to Arizona? What’s his demeanor?

White Sox pitching coach Ethan Katz’s voice cracked with emotion when providing an answer about the All-Star closer and his ongoing treatment for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

“I care about the guy,” said Katz, whose vocal level dropped a bit as he spoke about Hendriks’ resiliency.

Life can change quickly, and sadly not always for the better.

One day, White Sox reliever Joe Kelly is playing offseason catch with Hendriks in Arizona. A few days later, on Jan. 8, Hendriks is announcing the non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma diagnosis on his personal Instagram account along with treatment beginning the next day.

But those people who know Hendriks and his wife, Kristi, are not surprised with the positive manner in which they’ve handled this unexpected and life-changing news. In fact, Hendriks has been at Camelback Ranch almost daily to try to keep a normal work schedule.

“He actually threw a bullpen [Friday]. This guy's unbelievable,” Katz said. “He's special, and everybody in the clubhouse knows that.”

“He’s been grinding,” said Kelly, who played catch with Hendriks three days after he went to a chemotherapy treatment. “He can switch what troubles he has off the field when he gets on the field and that’s very hard to do.”

“To see him dealing with a sickness like that broke my heart,” starter Lucas Giolito said. “But he’s just absolutely killing it right now with his treatments. He’s been around like damn near every day.”

Hendriks rates as more than just one of the game’s most dominant closers, recording 75 saves in his two seasons with the White Sox to go with 198 strikeouts against 23 walks over 128 2/3 innings. Since the day they came to Chicago, Liam and Kristi have been giving back to the city and its surrounding areas.

The 34-year-old Hendriks is a proud Australian who has a collection of Lego figures constructed in the White Sox clubhouse at Guaranteed Rate Field. He has been known to let loose with a profanity or two when missing a pitch, but he also delivers his signature celebratory upper cut as he jumps from the mound after a save.

Not only is he a leader of the White Sox bullpen but really a leader for the team overall. Hendriks certainly has been known to joke with or needle a few of his bullpen mates, but he can take the ribbing in return. His friends have been happy to see that trait hasn’t changed even in the middle of this battle.

“He’s gone about it the way he always has and he’s coming in and talking crap to us,” starter Michael Kopech said. “I can’t imagine how he’s feeling. But we all know Liam at this point and he’s a tough guy.”

“Liam has always been one of the most upbeat personalities,” Giolito said. “When he’s on the field it’s ferocious. But off the field playing with his Legos, keeping things light all the time, joking around with all of us. To see him coming in day after day in that same exact mood while dealing with something as serious as cancer, it’s pretty damn amazing. It serves as motivation for us.”

A statement from general manager Rick Hahn issued at the time of Hendriks’ announcement listed Opening Day at the very earliest for updates on his playing status. Hendriks' friends/teammates seem to have a "sooner than later" view or hope, at the very least, knowing Hendriks’ determination and fortitude.

All they care about currently is Hendriks getting healthy. And they are thrilled to have Hendriks alongside as the season begins.

“He seems great,” Kelly said. “He has his days where he will probably tell you he’s tired or that he doesn’t feel good, but he’s the same Liam to me.”

“It's amazing. It brought a lot of joy to be able to see him,” Katz said. “He's a special person and having him around is great.”

“We’re looking forward to him to go ahead and kick cancer’s [butt] and come back and close games for us,” Giolito said. “He’s in good spirits: Same exact Liam we all know and love."