 |
Phillies minor league player Corey Phelan. @PhilsPlayerDev / Twitter |
The minor league pitcher Corey Phelan, who passed away at the age of 20 from cancer, is mourned by the Philadelphia Phillies, the organization said on Thursday.
Left-handed pitcher Phelan, who was signed as an undrafted free agent in 2020 out of high school, received a non-Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosis in April.
Director of player development for the Phillies Preston Mattingly stated, "Corey is and will always be a wonderful guy," in a tweet from the Phillies Player Development account. "Everyone who interacted with him enjoyed the experience because of his infectious grin, which lighted up any space. His legacy will endure, particularly inside the Philadelphia Phillies organization.
Pitcher Jake McKenna, 20, a buddy and Phelan's teammate in the minor league, paid homage to him on Instagram.
Meeting Corey and developing the bond we did was a true blessing that altered McKenna's course in life. "He made me want to be a better person every day and never failed to make me smile. He left an impression on everyone he encountered and lighted up every space he entered. I'm sad that my dearest buddy passed away, but I'm so glad we had the time we did. Please remember to pray for him and his family.
Phelan will be remembered for his "positive personality and selflessness," which "inspired everyone around him," the Phillies stated in a statement.
His love for his family and his firm faith, the organization stated in a statement, "superseded all else, even though he was extremely enthusiastic about the game of baseball." We offer our sincere sympathies to his family as well as to his team members and employees who stood by him and supported him emotionally over the duration of his valiant fight with cancer.
In his debut season as a professional, Phelan threw 9 2/3 innings of relief and gave up only one run for the rookie-level Phillies in the Florida Complex League.
The New York native visited Philadelphia Phillies players before their game against the New York Mets at Citi Field a month after receiving the diagnosis, according to MLB.com.
Phelan at the time told MLB.com, "It was fantastic. "How fantastic it was is beyond words. Regardless of the station, they are playing on, I watch them whenever I can on TV and support them in every game. I enjoy seeing them play. They make me feel better.
Another statement lamenting Phelan's passing was released by Minor League Baseball.
The statement stated, "We are heartbroken by the death of Corey Phelan, a prospect in the Phillies organization. We are praying for Corey's family, friends, and teammates.
Ruben Amaro Jr., a former general manager of the Philadelphia Phillies, tweeted, "I am disturbed and heartbroken to learn of the passing of Corey Phelan." "May the Phelan family find comfort in knowing that their son and loved one, who struggled for his life and all that is good, was a beacon of joy and faith and that he had a wonderful influence on so many others? Corey, rip.
Click here for more trending news
You can also follow us on our Twitter page
You can also follow us on our Tumblr page
You can also follow us on our Pinterest page