Liam Hendriks wins the 2023 Tony Conigliaro Award
The Boston Red Sox announced that Chicago White Sox closer Liam Hendriks has been selected as the recipient of the 2023 Tony Conigliaro Award.
Boston has announced a winner of the award 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 cut short after he was beaned by a baseball in 1967, passed away in 1990 at the age of 45.
The voting was conducted by a 12-person committee 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,the organization announced.
“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.”
This past December, Hendriks was diagnosed with Stage 4 non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The Perth, Australia native underwent eight rounds of chemotherapy, which spanned from January and ended in April. Hendriks returned to the White Sox on May 29.
At ESPN’s annual ESPY Awards in July, the righty accepted the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance.
Hendriks made just five appearances for the White Sox in 2023, earning twos and one save, before being shut down and undergoing season-ending Tommy John surgery in August.
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