Minor League Pitcher Passes Away At Age 20 After Diagnosed With Cancer

Cory Phelan, a Minor League pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies, has died at age 20. The news comes just months after the left-hander was diagnosed with cancer.

He was signed by the Phillies as a free agent in August 2020, but was placed on the injured list after being diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a cancer of the blood, in April 2022.

Phelan was looked at as an inspiration by his teammates, friends, and family members.

The Philadelphia Phillies released a statement after learning of the passing of Minor League pitcher Cory Phelan.

"The Phillies family is extremely saddened by the tragic passing of Corey Phelan," read a statement issued Thursday. "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 While he was incredibly passionate about the game of baseball, his love for his family and his strong faith superseded everything else.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."

Preston Mattingly, the Philadelphia Phillies' director of player development, also released a statement, saying, "Corey is and always will be a special person. His smile lit up a room and everyone who came in contact with him cherished the interaction. His memory will live on, especially with the Phillies organization."

The official Minor League Baseball Twitter account released a statement last night. "We are saddened by the passing of Corey Phelan, a prospect in the Phillies organization," they Tweeted. "Our thoughts are with Corey's family, friends and teammates."

After Cory Phelan was diagnosed with cancer, the Minor League pitcher native was able to spend time with the Phiiladelphia Phillies team when they played The New York Mets at Citi Field in May. Being a New York native, this meant a lot to Phelan.

"It was awesome. I can't put into words how awesome it was," Phelan said after the visit. "Every time I can watch them on TV, depending on what channel they are playing on, I watch them and I root for them every game. I love watching them play. They bring my spirits up."

Philadelphia Phillies Major League pitcher, Aaron Nola, also spoke out after the emotional day. "He is going through some hard times right now,” Nola said after Phelan’s visit. “The hard times that we go through in baseball doesn’t compare to what he is going through. The positivity that he showed -- his faith and belief that God has it under control. Obviously, it shows what kind of person that he is, what kind of man he is. The guys in the clubhouse saw that.”

As Phelan's treatment continued it was revealed his cancer seemed more like leukemia and so he took some time off of playing baseball. The 20-year-old posted on Instagram two weeks ago, "Can’t wait to get back out there.”

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Phelan’s friends and family.