Boston Red Sox pitcher Liam Hendriks recently took to Instagram to share a disturbing reality: he has been the target of vile death threats following the team’s tough loss to the New York Mets. It’s a disheartening reminder of how some fans express their frustrations in the most toxic of ways.
In the game, Hendriks stepped in to relieve the Red Sox’s ace, Garrett Crochet, in the top of the sixth inning with the score tied at 1-1. After a solid performance in the sixth, things took a turn for the worse in the seventh; Hendriks allowed three hits and as many earned runs, leading to a 5-1 defeat for Boston—an outcome that surely left many fans frustrated.
But what came next was not just disappointment over a game, but an outpouring of hate that crossed all lines of decency. On his Instagram story, Hendriks revealed he received various death threats, with some individuals taking it a step further by making despicable jokes about his hard-fought battle against Stage 4 non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. It’s hard to fathom how anyone could twist a personal struggle into a weapon to hurt someone else.
It’s important to remember that the overwhelming majority of fan interactions are fueled by passion for the game. However, when a small minority resorts to threats, it’s both alarming and heartbreaking. This isn’t just another episode in sports; it’s an indictment of a culture that sometimes encourages cruel behavior behind the anonymity of a screen, far away from the real-world consequences of their words.
Instead of scapegoating Hendriks for the loss, fans might also look to the decisions made by manager Alex Cora, who decided to pull Crochet after he had allowed only one earned run over 5.1 innings—an incredibly strong outing. Additionally, it’s worth considering that the offense was simply stagnant, managing to score just one run against a Mets team that has been struggling lately.
While some of the vitriol might stem from Hendriks’ candid comments about wanting more playing time, it’s crucial to remember that everyone has the right to express how they feel, especially after facing a major health challenge. That does not justify the hate he has received, and fans should take a moment to reflect on their own behaviors.
Hendriks is coming back from Tommy John surgery, a rehabilitation process that sidelined him for the entire 2024 season. It’s completely unfair to expect him to hit his stride immediately. After such an intense and grueling journey, it’s understandable if it takes some time for him to regain his form.
As fans, we need to give Hendriks space to find his rhythm on the mound. Instead of sending hateful messages, let’s choose to support him as he navigates this road to recovery. After all, behind the jersey is a human being who’s fought battles that go far beyond baseball. A little kindness can go a long way, and who knows? A few more games could show us a rekindled Liam Hendriks ready to dominate on the field again.
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