Philadelphia Phillies minor leaguer Corey Phelan passed away Thursday after a battle with cancer, the organization announced. He was 20 years old.
Phelan who signed with Philadelphia after the shortened 2020 MLB draft as an undrafted free agent, battled an aggressive form of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
Phelan played for the Class-A Phillies organization and allowed one run in 9 2/3 innings last season, but never returned to the mound after his diagnosis.
The Phillies offered their condolences to those close to Phelan.
“The Phillies family is extremely saddened by the tragic passing of Corey Phelan. Corey’s positive presence and selflessness influenced everyone around him,” the statement read. “While he was incredibly passionate about the game of baseball, his love for his family and his strong faith superseded everything else.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.”
Phelan, while in the minor leagues, had an influence on the major league club throughout 2022. In May, former manager Joe Girardi welcomed Phelan into the team’s clubhouse. Later in the season, Phillies center fielder Brandon Marsh honored Phelan while on a rehab assignment with Triple-A Lehigh Valley.
–Field Level Media
