Minor league pitcher Corey Phelan of The Philadelphia Phillies died from cancer at the age of 20.
Phelan was signed with the Phillies organization as an undrafted free agent in 2020. He was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in April after undergoing medical testing to determine why he had fallen in the shower. He had a 9-inch mass in his chest when he was diagnosed, according to TMZ.
Preston Mattingly, the Phillies Director of Player Development, released a statement in memory of Phelan. “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,” Mattingly said.
— Phillies Player Development (@PhilsPlayerDev) October 14, 2022
“The Phillies family is extremely saddened by the tragic passing of Corey Phelan,” Mattingly added in the 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 While he was incredibly passionate about the game of baseball, his love for his family and his strong faith superseded everything else.”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,” Mattingly said in a statement. (RELATED: Beloved ‘Harry Potter’ Actor Dead At 72)
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Phelan faced his illness with courage and determination. His last post to Instagram was two weeks before his death. “Can’t wait to get back out there🙏🏻❤️,” he wrote.
“His memory will live on, especially with the Phillies organization,” Mattingly added.