Philadelphia Phillies star minor league pitcher Corey Phelan died this week at the age of 20.
Phelan reportedly passed away following a battle with cancer after being diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma in April.
Up-And-Coming Phillies Pitcher Cory Phelan Dead At Age 20 https://t.co/FDYNk65n7a
— 🌼 (@Lariswhite) October 15, 2022
The team’s statement
“The Phillies family is extremely saddened by the tragic passing of Corey Phelan,” the team said in a statement.
“Corey’s positive presence and selflessness influenced everyone around him. While he was incredibly passionate about the game of baseball, his love for his family and his strong faith superseded everything else. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, as well as his teammates and staff who were by his side, providing emotional support throughout the course of his courageous battle with cancer,” it added.
— Phillies Player Development (@PhilsPlayerDev) October 14, 2022
League-wide impact
“We are saddened by the passing of Corey Phelan, a prospect in the Phillies organization,” Minor League Baseball said in a statement on Twitter.
“Our thoughts are with Corey’s family, friends and teammates,” it added.
We are saddened by the passing of Corey Phelan, a prospect in the Phillies organization.
Our thoughts are with Corey’s family, friends and teammates. pic.twitter.com/cBuuTdpucM
— Minor League Baseball (@MiLB) October 14, 2022
Phelan had received cancer treatment at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a form of cancer that spreads throughout the lymph nodes and causes abnormal growth of lymphocyte white blood cells that can turn into tumors, leading to potentially fast spread throughout the body.
The star’s latest social updates had indicated that Phelan hoped to return to baseball in the near future.
Phelan’s passing is deeply mourned by family and friends, along with the Phillies organization and many across the baseball world following his noble fight with cancer.