Red Sox announce Liam Hendriks as winner of 2023 Tony Conigliaro Award

BOSTON, MA—The Boston Red Sox announced today that right-handed pitcher Liam Hendriks has been selected as the recipient of the 2023 Tony Conigliaro Award.

The Red Sox have named a Tony Conigliaro Award winner every year since 1990. The award recognizes a “Major Leaguer who has overcome adversity through the attributes of spirit, determination, and courage that were trademarks of Tony C.” The former Red Sox outfielder, whose career was tragically shortened by a beanball in 1967, passed away in 1990 at the age of 45.

Voting was conducted by a 12-person committee comprised of Red Sox officials, Major League Baseball executives, and media members. First-place votes were awarded to Hendriks (seven), New York Yankees right-handed pitcher Ian Hamilton (four), and Red Sox left-handed pitcher Chris Sale (one). Also receiving votes was Pittsburgh Pirates infielder Drew Maggi.

“As baseball players we all dream about winning World Series rings, but if this year has taught me anything it’s that the biggest impact I can make is by being a source of inspiration to others who are dealing with their own difficult circumstances,” said Hendriks. “I’ve spent a good deal of time sitting in the bullpen at Fenway Park, and to be awarded this honor and have my name associated with Tony Conigliaro’s is something I will forever cherish. I’d like to thank the committee, the media members, Major League Baseball, the Red Sox organization, and the Conigliaro family for believing that I deserve this incredible recognition.”

In December 2022, Hendriks was diagnosed with Stage 4 non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a blood cancer that he believes he had been pitching with during the 2022 season when he posted a 2.81 ERA with 37 saves in 58 appearances for the White Sox. After undergoing eight rounds of chemotherapy—which began in January 2023 and ended in April—and four rounds of immunotherapy, Hendriks began a rehab assignment on May 5 before returning to the majors on May 29. He appeared in five games with the White Sox, earning two wins and one save before being sidelined by an elbow injury. In July, he earned the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance at ESPN’s annual ESPY Awards. He was also recognized as the 2023 American League Comeback Player of the Year by both Major League Baseball and the Players Choice Awards.

A native of Perth, Australia, Hendriks launched a campaign inviting fans to purchase specially designed “Close Out Cancer” t-shirts, with proceeds benefitting the Lymphoma Research Foundation. He has been nominated for the prestigious Roberto Clemente Award five times, including twice by the Oakland A’s (2017, 2019) and three times by the White Sox (2021-23).

About Tony Conigliaro

A native of Swampscott, MA, Conigliaro hit a home run in his first at-bat at Fenway Park in 1964 at only 19 years old. A year later, he became the youngest player to lead his league in home runs when he hit 32 in 1965, his second full season in the big leagues. He also became the youngest American League player to reach 100 home runs when he hit number 100 at 22 years and 197 days old, just 65 days older than the Major League record holder, Mel Ott (22 years, 132 days).

Conigliaro’s early promise of greatness went unfulfilled after he was struck in the face by a pitch on August 18, 1967. The pitch fractured his left cheekbone, dislocated his jaw, and severely damaged the retina in his left eye. He missed the 1968 season but returned to play two more years in Boston, hitting a career-high 36 home runs for the Sox in 1970, when he also drove in 116 runs. He was traded after the season to the Angels, but declining vision led him to announce his retirement in 1971. He attempted another comeback for the Red Sox in 1975 but ended his career after playing in 21 Major League games.

Conigliaro suffered a massive heart attack in 1982 and died eight years later at the age of 45.

Tony Conigliaro Award recipients:

2023—Liam Hendriks, White Sox

2022—Jose Cuas, Royals

2021—Trey Mancini, Orioles

2020—Daniel Bard, Rockies

2019—Rich Hill, Dodgers

2018—Stephen Piscotty, Athletics

2017—Chad Bettis, Rockies

2016—Yangervis Solarte, Padres

2015—Mitch Harris, Cardinals

2014—Wilson Ramos, Nationals

2013—John Lackey, Red Sox

2012—R.A. Dickey, Mets

2011—Tony Campana, Cubs

2010—Joaquin Benoit, Rays

2009—Chris Carpenter, Cardinals

2008—Rocco Baldelli, Rays

2007—Jon Lester, Red Sox

2006—Freddy Sanchez, Pirates

2005—Aaron Cook, Rockies

2004—Dewon Brazelton, Rays

2003—Jim Mecir, Athletics

2002—Jose Rijo, Reds

2001—Jason Johnson, Orioles; Graeme Lloyd, Expos

2000—Kent Mercker, Angels; Tony Saunders, Marlins

1999—Mike Lowell, Marlins

1998—Bret Saberhagen, Red Sox

1997—Eric Davis, Orioles

1996—Curtis Pride, Tigers

1995—Scott Radinsky, White Sox

1994—Mark Leiter, Angels

1993—Bo Jackson, White Sox

1992—Jim Abbott, Angels

1991—Dickie Thon, Phillies

1990—Jim Eisenreich, Royals