Throughout his career, Liam Hendriks has prioritized his team and community consistently. His commitment to these causes has become more visible due to his on-field successes. Building on his growing reputation from his time with the A's, Liam and his wife Kristi immediately began contributing to their new community on the South Side of Chicago.
During the pandemic, when first responders were stretched thinly, the Hendrikses provided meals to essential staff from the moment Liam signed his new contract and continued throughout the year. Recognizing the ongoing need in Chicago, the Hendrikses intensified their outreach efforts in the following year.
In 2022, Liam and Kristi reached their goal of sponsoring 22 community events and acts of kindness. Their efforts were diverse, but aimed to make a significant impact consistently. They were deeply moved by the war in Ukraine, connected with a school in Chicago¡¯s Ukrainian Village that had become a refuge for youth refugees and treated busloads of children and staff to a day at the ballpark -- many of whom had never attended a baseball game previously. They started a tradition of hosting an MLB Opening Day party at a local children¡¯s hospital, a tradition that was continued with the Red Sox and established this season in Boston. After the mass shooting in Highland Park on Independence Day, they thanked first responders with a catered meal. They also hosted appreciation days for often-overlooked ballpark staff, providing complimentary meals and swag. Their commitment extends further as they employ small and/or minority-owned businesses to support their outreach goals.
In 2023, Liam faced a significant personal challenge when he was diagnosed with Stage 4 non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. He confronted his diagnosis with remarkable determination. After months of aggressive treatment, he was considered in remission by April and returned to the mound a month later. However, he was soon sidelined again as he underwent Tommy John surgery, which is a procedure to repair a torn ligament in the elbow.
Despite these setbacks, Liam remained dedicated to meeting with cancer patients during homestands and while traveling with the team. Even if he couldn¡¯t contribute on the field, he remained a supportive presence in the clubhouse.
The 2024 season marked the beginning of a new chapter for Liam and Kristi. Once Liam¡¯s contract with the Red Sox was finalized, they began setting their off-the-field community engagement agenda immediately. Although Liam has been unable to contribute on the diamond, he has compensated with his extensive outreach efforts. He has met with 25 cancer patients and survivors, offering them a full VIP experience. Understanding the challenges faced by young adults with cancer, Liam has worked with the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Young Adult Program to identify individuals who would benefit from Fenway Park outings. Both Liam and his guests leave these interactions feeling more understood and hopeful for the future.
One particularly special meet and greet this year occurred during Liam¡¯s first visit back to the South Side of Chicago. Thanks to his success on the field and the connections he made during his three years closing games for the White Sox, he remains revered by the fans. Liam and Kristi hosted 18 Chicagoland organizations and families with whom they have built lasting relationships, deepening their impact on the community.
Liam¡¯s generosity extends to numerous causes. He is an ally for the LGBTQ+ community, appeared in an ad campaign for Stand Up to Cancer, supports the Lymphoma Research Foundation and is passionate about animal rescue. The impact Liam and Kristi make on numerous causes is far-reaching and ongoing.
As Liam eagerly anticipates making his Red Sox on-field debut and achieving 10 years of Major League service, he has endeared himself to Bostonians and baseball fans across the country already by sharing hope, strength and genuine kindness through his outreach.