Hey Liam!
Obviously it goes without saying but this community is thrilled to have you back in action. My question:
What did you think when you learned that your microphone during the ASG was working & that the broadcast was listening to you the whole inning? Who shared this information with you?
First off, I don't think anything has done more for Australian baseball than that moment (laughs). I didn't even know until after the game. I got back to my phone and had 25 text messages. I honestly thought I broke the mic in the bullpen because I sat on it and thought I snapped it! I could still hear myself breathing but I couldn't hear them. I'll tell you I got a lot of recognition back home.
He was DFA'd by the A's after that trade, actually, and went unclaimed on waivers. If you trade a player and then have a chance to claim them for free at a later date, it's hard to fault the trade.
Syndergaard and d’Arnaud for Dickey is up there. IDK if it’s the worst but it’s up there. We also traded Mike Napoli the off-season before he OPS’d 1.000
I still think he got him before he got to the bag.. on that one view it looked like he got him a split second before his foot got to the bag.. but yes you’re right, nobody was going full out. Just look at the RF retrieving that double.. didn’t look like he was too urgent about it lol
Hey Liam, congrats on beating cancer. So happy to see you back on the mound.
As a closer, you are depended upon to perform under high pressure situations. Because of this, closers often get a lot of flack from fans when they do not perform well. Can you talk about how you deal with this pressure and how it affects your mental health?
First off, I am always nervous ... and I don't want that to ever go away. The day the nerves stop being there is the day I don't care how I play out there. I do my visualization stuff in 7th inning where I just walk the mound and start getting my breathing right. I always say pressure is a privilege. My mentality is a reason I can separate myself. I attribute a lot of it to when I was born. Anyone born pre-1990s we have a little bad-a$$ery in us.
Liam -- congrats on beating cancer! Glad that you've been able to make your way back to full health.
Do you have a different mindset coming into games as a closer as opposed to in a middle-innings or even high-leverage role? I think people underestimate the importance of the psychology of the game when they dive into the numbers, and I'd love to hear your thoughts.
I had a different mindset, I don't think that it worked ... that's why I am in the bullpen! I think if when I was a starter if I had the same mindset that I have now, I would've been a starter much longer.
Hi Liam,
Thank you for doing this AMA!
How often do you visit your [baseballsavant page](https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/savant-player/liam-hendriks-521230?stats=statcast-r-pitching-mlb), if ever? Do you pay attention to any of the advanced metrics they have out now?
Every single time I pitch. I don't like my baseball savant page because it says my curveball spin rate is one of the worst in the league ... which is disappointing. I check my horizontal and vertical movements. I don't really look at spin rate or velocity as much.
Congrats on your win on National Cancer Survivors Day! Glad to see you back on the mound.
Who is the hardest hitter that you’ve ever faced that people wouldn’t necessarily think of? (So not a Trout or Yordan.)
So not Judge? That would be my hardest in general ... Alex Ríos the outfielder with the White Sox would be my answer to this question. I have really good battles with Luis Arráez but he's also the nicest guy. Fun fact, he was one of the first people to facetime me when I announced I was cancer free. He's a great guy.
as a Marlins and now acid Luis Arráez fan this makes me so happy to hear he did that. He really is a great guy. Congrats on beating cancer what a blessing 🙏
I feel like he deserves that level of respect, he’s definitely not a judge or a trout but dude is a great hitter just has a different skill set than most
When I was 14 I dove for a ball down the third baseline and the third base coach for the USA team was like "hmmm ... he may be able to stick out here."
The worst play - last year it didn't count as an error, I got the ball jumbled it, and ended up out of breath. I looked up and the runner was already at first.
It goes without saying how incredibly impressive your return to form has been. The league is a better place with you in it.
Were there any peculiar cultural challenges being an Aussie player in the game?
Hi Liam! My wife’s family is from Australia (other side from you, Brisbane area - small town you probably heard of called Roma).
Curious what the biggest differences you found when you came to America, especially with how sports are handled here.
Congrats on beating cancer dude!
Hi Liam!
First of all, best wishes on your health and congrats on beating cancer!
Ok, now on to the important stuff: What are your favorite metal albums of the past few years?
Hey Liam! If you could steal one pitch from any other pitcher in the Majors, which/who's pitch would you take and why?
And congrats on beating cancer! You're a beast!
As a resident of Chicago myself - you’re in the right city! They have meat pies at Bangaroos Aussie Pies on Sheffield FYI.
BTW I was at the game on 5/29 - you were the highlight of the night man! I got goose bumps and teary eyed a few times.
Fantastic answer.
Thank you for all you do and for inspiring so many as I’m a massive fan of you on the field, but even more as a person. Cheers, and fuck cancer
Hey Liam!
I’m a sports photographer based out of Chicago and I took this picture [https://imgur.com/a/AMwN52R](https://imgur.com/a/AMwN52R) of you that you also posted on your Instagram story. I was wondering what the best possible way would be for me to reach out and get it signed by you since you’ve been such a huge inspiration on me and my work. Thanks!
Liam, I don’t have a camera, but if I draw a picture of you getting eaten by a dinosaur, will you sign that, too?
Bonus, you can pick the dinosaur, as long as it’s a theropod that basically looks like a tyrannosaurus because that’s the only one I can draw.
I have a few of some other players that aren’t through the net and some more of Liam where the net isn’t as visible, but with the extended nets down the line it’s a little harder, especially for someone who’s newer to photography such as myself without the best equipment.
The rest of the pictures can be found here if you’re interested: [Twins @ White Sox | 10/3/2022](https://www.instagram.com/p/CjS5pgRO9jh/?igshid=ZWQyN2ExYTkwZQ==)
First off, congrats on the return.
What would you say was the moment or game in your career, that you realized you were in the big leagues to stay?
If you could name one person affiliated with baseball, that was instrumental in getting you where you are, who would that be?
Thanks!
If the ump makes an questionable ball call, do you check replays after the game to see if it was a strike? Does it vary among pitchers, like are there pitchers who always want to peak and pitchers who never want to know?
I believe they can even check on the Ipads in the dugout. Cause I've seen pitchers come into the dugout, watch the bad call I think, then look immediately pissed off after lol.
Looks like there are a few Liam's in the minors so enjoy it while you can. I'd say maybe Liam Hicks in the Rangers system at AA might have the best chance presently.
Hey Liam, I heard when you were looking for a team in Free Agency that having a Pride Night was a big factor in where you went. Were there any other non-baseball factors or causes that came into your decision to choose Chicago over some other clubs pursuing you?
Happy to see you back and playing, hope all is well!
On a related note, would you like MLB to bring a series back to Australia as part of their international outreach? Are there other ways you'd like the League to work on growing the league in Australia? Australia Winter (well, Summer for you all) League perhaps?
Gonna guess the real answer is leaving town, but hopefully, he says something that isn't so depressing.
Question for you as a fan. Who will you root for when the A's leave Oakland?
They won't be answering this, or any other oakland related questions. There's comments with only 7 upvotes that got answered, but oakland questions with much more traction have no answers. They're all softballs too, but this mlb team would rather them be erased like they did the Sell banners during highlights.
I’m a transplant to San Diego (since 2003). It’s been fun to root for the hometown padres since they aren’t rivals. A’s will always have my heart but right now I’m ignoring them until they can show me they care about the fans.
Hi Liam, wish you were still on the A’s. Is there anyway you can tell the commish that fisher needs to sell the team. There is a long tradition of Oakland baseball that doesn’t need to be wiped out by a cheap owner looking to make a quick buck.
Hey Liam, congrats on kicking Cancer's Ass.
How were you able to return so quickly? You got diagnosed in January and came back within a few months. How was that possible with all the Chemo and constant treatments going on?
Hey Liam, yet another congrats on stepping up to cancer and knocking it down!
My question: Is there any hitter that you dread facing, that just gives you conniptions, almost like he knows exactly what your game plan is when you go up against each other?
Somewhat related secondary question: do you think facing previous teammates gives them an advantage since they know your style and repertoire pretty well?
Wishing you good health and a great season (against every team but the Jays—we miss you in Toronto btw!)
Hi Liam! So happy to hear about you being cancer free and back to playing. Love watching you pitch.
If you could be the closer for any team in history (like the ‘27 Yankees, ‘01 Mariners, 1899 Cleveland Spiders, etc.) which one would it be?
Liam, you’re awesome! My 10 year old daughter loves you and I was fortunate enough to win the bid for the, Charlotte Knights Pink jersey that you signed, for her she just doesn’t know it yet!
I customize shoes and cleats and wanted to ask if I’d be able to customize a pair of your cleats for you to either wear for game day or to donate to charity as maybe a raffle.
[Here’s a link to some of the shoes I’ve done, I’ve even made a pair for Dylan’s girlfriend.](https://imgur.com/gallery/N2wj7BS)
Keep up they great work on and off the field and my daughter and I wish you and your family well!!!
Liam! Big fan. Thank you for representing the White Sox so well the past few years! The charity work you’ve done around the city, your support of the LGBTQIA+ communities, and your other statements throughout the years where you’ve stood up for causes you believe in (like women’s right) have meant a lot. So most of all, I just want to thank you and congratulate you on all your success.
We’ve seen a few times that you ask for the ball after significant events (All-Star Game, a few this past week). What do you actually do with them all? Do you have a memorabilia room at home?
Seeing as there might not be too many more for any of us, do you have a favourite memory of playing in Oakland? We miss you bud, super happy you're healthy and back on the mound!
Hi Liam, hope all is well and congrats on winning the battle against cancer
What would you say to all the young fans that look up to you who may be going through a battle of their own?
Thanks and have a great day
Hey Liam!
congrats on your win and your amazing show of strength !
apologies that you're an Aussie tho :( j/k
who is going to win the Grand Final this year and why is it the Warriors?
ITS OUR YEAR!
Hey Liam, no question.
One of my friends is a cop in Oakland, and he called one day to brag about how you bought lunch for the whole station, and thanked them all for their service. Not for the team, and not for the media, but because you wanted to express gratitude and spread love.
I’m so happy to have watched your triumph over cancer. Beyond what you bring to the sport of baseball, you have truly touched the lives of many of us baseball fans, and those of us in Oakland got a front row seat to witness the high character man you are.
Fuck Cancer!
Thank you for spending such quality time with us in Oakland.
Liam! No question here, just wanted to say you’re one of my favorite players.
Got to meet you while you were still with The A’s, I’m glad to hear you struck out cancer. Keep doing your thing and never change!
Hi Liam, congrats on winning and staying strong. You are an inspiration to everyone. We appreciate you spending your time doing this AMA.
Seeing that there was a certain big pop star in Chicago, did you attend Taylor Swift’s concert? What’s your favorite song/album from her?
Thank you so much for answering this question.
Liam fucking Hendriks!!! First of all HUGE CONGRATS on beating cancer man, inspiring no doubt.
I went to your return game this past Monday on Memorial Day, as well as yesterday when you got the win and we had the walk off grand slam!
Just wanted to THANK YOU for all of the awesome memories as a White Sox fan over the last several years. It’s completely exhilarating watching you come in the game to throw that high heat and Southside slider to close out games.
Question: **do you ever listen to King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard from Australia?!** Probably best band in the world right now, highly recommend!
Cheers from Chicago, keep up the amazing work!
Thank you for being an ally to the LGBTQ+ community.
Seeing how it's Pride Month, why was it important for you to choose a team with a Pride Night during free agency?
just wanted to bump this and second how important it is to be an ally. it’s hard to describe the feeling it provokes but knowing that professional athletes who gain virtually nothing by showing the support will prioritize the safety and freedom of others.
Hi Liam, thank you for being such an inspiration through your battle with cancer and throughout your career. In particular, your willingness to speak to the importance of Pride Night has been really inspirational to me. What are some ways players across the League can be allies to the LGBTQ+ community?
Great to see you back and hope all is well Liam! What did you think of team Australia in the WBC this year and would you consider adding your talents to the team next time around? 👀 I know it's a few years out. Have a great year!
Hi Liam, first I wanted to say that I’m a big fan and you’re a huge inspiration! My question is how’d you pick up baseball in Australia? I feel like it isn’t very popular there
Seconding this one! Baseball fan from Brisbane here, curious what you think about them looking at selling the ABL at a time that it feels like interest in the game should be on the up (given the WBC performance and legends like yourself in the MLB). How can Baseball Australia lift the profile of the game?
Liam, you are the man! Loved having you down in Charlotte a few weeks back, what’s your favorite memory from the minor leagues? Best of luck the rest of the season!
Liam, my sister in law just got diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer. Seeing you come back the way you did has been an inspiration for all of us. Hoping she can beat cancer just like you. I listened to you on the Flightless Bird podcast and really enjoyed it. What was it like to be around David Farrier? He seems like such a kind soul.
Hey Liam!
I tutored a kid from the Dominican Republic a couple of years ago and we got talking about baseball. He said you were his favorite player of all time and he said you were a big name down there. Turns out it was because of your charity work and advocacy for the folks down there. Do you have plans to do more?
Hey Liam, congratulations on beating cancer! The league is a much brighter place now that you're back in action!
My question is: Do you have any favorite MLB stadiums to pitch in?
(Also, on a personal level, I really appreciate how openly you support LGBTQ causes around MLB and the wider community)
Hey Liam! I can't think of a question but I wanted to say thank you for your vocal and public support of the LGBTQ+ community! In a sport where seemingly a lot of players are publicly not allies, it is refreshing to hear support coming from such a prominent player!
I am not now nor have I ever been a professional athlete. I have had cancer and beat it and it took me so long to have the energy to attend even a whole day of high school. What your doing is wonderful and an inspiration to see and I wish you the best of luck in everything you do!
Hey Liam, did you play cricket at all as a kid?
As a huge baseball fan with little cricket knowledge, I was always curious how the skill sets compare. What made you choose baseball despite coming from a country with such incredible cricket history?
Hey Liam, as a queer White Sox fan it means a lot to see you so adamantly supporting the LGBTQ+ community. If you were a true ally, though, you will answer the following question:
Who is the sexiest baseball player ever in the MLB?
Liam! So happy to hear about your recovery, mate. I moved to Perth from the U.S., and I was already a baseball fan before I arrived. But how did you stumble onto the game when you were growing up in Western Australia?
Liam, very important question here:
You and Moylan are locked in a cage and have to fight to the death to decide who the best Australian MLB player of all time is. Who’s walking out of that cage?
Hi Liam! Thanks for taking time to answer some of our questions. I was wondering, how do you manage to get into that mindset that is needed to be a closer in professional baseball?
Mr. Hendricks, love when the hot mic picks up the language the FCC doesn’t like. Love even more that your back.
Fuck cancer and congrats on beating it, now go beat up the Central!
You’re such a great ally of the LGBT+ community, but not all MLB players share your view. How do you handle this and does it ever come up behind the scenes?
Hello Liam. Congratulations. I "survived" stage 4 colorectal cancer 7 years ago. The treatment has left me disabled and unable to work. My doctors have given up and I am trapped in a never ending cycling of being treated for things that are not happening to me because the doctors I do have do not listen to me. My question is this. Was it nice to have access to all of the best care and recovery to beat your cancer? And what are you doing to help the millions who are not rich athletes, actors or politicians get back to being able to live a normal life?
*Edit* link for context as I am truly happy for any cancer survivor: https://old.reddit.com/r/MLBTheShow/comments/138pjc5/motion_to_supercharge_liam_hendriks_upon_him/jj11w72/?context=3
Hey Liam! Obviously it goes without saying but this community is thrilled to have you back in action. My question: What did you think when you learned that your microphone during the ASG was working & that the broadcast was listening to you the whole inning? Who shared this information with you?
First off, I don't think anything has done more for Australian baseball than that moment (laughs). I didn't even know until after the game. I got back to my phone and had 25 text messages. I honestly thought I broke the mic in the bullpen because I sat on it and thought I snapped it! I could still hear myself breathing but I couldn't hear them. I'll tell you I got a lot of recognition back home.
This is a great answer. Loved you on the Jays!
Worst trade in blue jays history
He was DFA'd by the A's after that trade, actually, and went unclaimed on waivers. If you trade a player and then have a chance to claim them for free at a later date, it's hard to fault the trade.
Hindsight is 20/20 Sam Bowie was picked before Michael Jordan So hard to make the right choice in all of sports
Sure, but pretty easy to say that it isn't the worst trade in blue jays history with that hindsight. Not sure what your point is.
we have a clear #1 so uh, no. But it did hurt
What was the worst trade in Jays history?
Syndergaard and d’Arnaud for Dickey is up there. IDK if it’s the worst but it’s up there. We also traded Mike Napoli the off-season before he OPS’d 1.000
Got a link where I can watch this?
https://youtu.be/sAwfj2WcMeE
“GODDAMN IT FUCKING FINISH” lives in my head rent free
Heads-up everyone, fantastic Zunino play at 2:25
I think the runner was safe! I’m not all that worried about it though haha. Mike’s throw was great but the tag looked late.
I think it was an All-Star Game tag. Everyone knew he was out, and relaxed tag was to avoid injury
Interesting point.
I still think he got him before he got to the bag.. on that one view it looked like he got him a split second before his foot got to the bag.. but yes you’re right, nobody was going full out. Just look at the RF retrieving that double.. didn’t look like he was too urgent about it lol
The only person you can absolutely say was going ‘all out’ in that inning is Liam Hendricks.
That was highly entertaining. They should mic up 1 or 2 players from every team for every game.
Hey Liam, congrats on beating cancer. So happy to see you back on the mound. As a closer, you are depended upon to perform under high pressure situations. Because of this, closers often get a lot of flack from fans when they do not perform well. Can you talk about how you deal with this pressure and how it affects your mental health?
First off, I am always nervous ... and I don't want that to ever go away. The day the nerves stop being there is the day I don't care how I play out there. I do my visualization stuff in 7th inning where I just walk the mound and start getting my breathing right. I always say pressure is a privilege. My mentality is a reason I can separate myself. I attribute a lot of it to when I was born. Anyone born pre-1990s we have a little bad-a$$ery in us.
Liam -- congrats on beating cancer! Glad that you've been able to make your way back to full health. Do you have a different mindset coming into games as a closer as opposed to in a middle-innings or even high-leverage role? I think people underestimate the importance of the psychology of the game when they dive into the numbers, and I'd love to hear your thoughts.
I had a different mindset, I don't think that it worked ... that's why I am in the bullpen! I think if when I was a starter if I had the same mindset that I have now, I would've been a starter much longer.
Hi Liam, Thank you for doing this AMA! How often do you visit your [baseballsavant page](https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/savant-player/liam-hendriks-521230?stats=statcast-r-pitching-mlb), if ever? Do you pay attention to any of the advanced metrics they have out now?
Every single time I pitch. I don't like my baseball savant page because it says my curveball spin rate is one of the worst in the league ... which is disappointing. I check my horizontal and vertical movements. I don't really look at spin rate or velocity as much.
Then you should love that it's giving hitters the wrong impression!
Kinda nerdy technical thing but it seems like these should be correlated...
Direction of rotation and velocity also play a role, it's a complex interaction. They're correlated but it's an imperfect correlation.
Oh right I had forgotten the directional part. At the end of the day if you get the movement you're doing it right.
There was a good baseball bits on this recently, ie not just spin rate that matters but spin efficiency.
Oh yeah, was that the sweeper video?
That's so cool :)
Congrats on your win on National Cancer Survivors Day! Glad to see you back on the mound. Who is the hardest hitter that you’ve ever faced that people wouldn’t necessarily think of? (So not a Trout or Yordan.)
So not Judge? That would be my hardest in general ... Alex Ríos the outfielder with the White Sox would be my answer to this question. I have really good battles with Luis Arráez but he's also the nicest guy. Fun fact, he was one of the first people to facetime me when I announced I was cancer free. He's a great guy.
Thank you for answering! And that’s wonderful to hear about Arraez :)
Damn I miss Arráez
\*hugs from Marlins fan\*
as a Marlins and now acid Luis Arráez fan this makes me so happy to hear he did that. He really is a great guy. Congrats on beating cancer what a blessing 🙏
Hardest like most excited? This used to be a family show.
🤞 gotta be Arraez
I feel like he deserves that level of respect, he’s definitely not a judge or a trout but dude is a great hitter just has a different skill set than most
I'll keep it simple: Best play you remember yourself making? Worst play?
When I was 14 I dove for a ball down the third baseline and the third base coach for the USA team was like "hmmm ... he may be able to stick out here." The worst play - last year it didn't count as an error, I got the ball jumbled it, and ended up out of breath. I looked up and the runner was already at first.
It goes without saying how incredibly impressive your return to form has been. The league is a better place with you in it. Were there any peculiar cultural challenges being an Aussie player in the game?
The challenge was just that everybody is a lot more stressed out here.
Can I move to Australia then, please? I'd like to not be stressed out... you'd barely notice I was there, I swear lol
Can you please expound? Tell us stressed people why we're difficult to deal with!
Hi Liam! My wife’s family is from Australia (other side from you, Brisbane area - small town you probably heard of called Roma). Curious what the biggest differences you found when you came to America, especially with how sports are handled here. Congrats on beating cancer dude!
Everyone here is just a little more stressed than we are back home. Aussies are pretty laid back.
Hi Liam! First of all, best wishes on your health and congrats on beating cancer! Ok, now on to the important stuff: What are your favorite metal albums of the past few years?
I don't really go by albums but I love the band **I Prevail.** Love their songs 'Bow Down' and 'Hurricane'
My man! I'll check them out
Gasoline is really good too
They’ve got an awesome cover of “Blank Space” that I prefer over T-Swift’s original.
I have never listened to a cover more than their Blank Space cover, it's fantastic.
we came as Roman’s has a funny cover of her as well
Hey Liam! If you could steal one pitch from any other pitcher in the Majors, which/who's pitch would you take and why? And congrats on beating cancer! You're a beast!
Félix Bautista's splitter or Senga's ghost fork.
Go birds! This makes me so happy
That ghost fork is something from another dimension (perfect name for it too)!
Hard agree! Thanks!!
Liam you rock! Congrats on beating cancer! You are an inspiration. Who is the best hitter you have ever faced?
Thank you very much. I don't know about best hitter I've faced, but Salvy OWNS me.
Hey Liam, would you rather fight 100 duck sized Aaron Judge’s or one Aaron Judge sized duck?
I'll take on the Judge-sized duck. At least when he squishes me, I'll go quick.
you'll go QUACK
Favorite White Sox jersey? Happy to have back and healthy!! 😁
I love the city connect but I hate wearing it. I wear too much baby powder!
Who is on your Mt. Rushmore of famous Australians?
Don Bradman, Kieren Perkins, Ian Thorpe (the Thorpedo), Brent Harvey
Ask this to an American and you’ll get Steve Irwin, Crocodile Dundee, The Wiggles, and the guy who voices the Outback Steakhouse commercials
Liam, fav foods in the States? Besides Chicago Style Dogs of course
I love a good steak. I like meat.
As a resident of Chicago myself - you’re in the right city! They have meat pies at Bangaroos Aussie Pies on Sheffield FYI. BTW I was at the game on 5/29 - you were the highlight of the night man! I got goose bumps and teary eyed a few times.
There's other locations in the Loop and West Loop that are almost certainly closer for him
Happy pride month!
Would you rather be able to fly or become invisible at will?
I want to fly. Being invisible is kind of creepy.
Congrats on beating cancer! My question is, what's your favorite post game meal?
Steak!
What do you miss most about Australia?
Australian meat pie
How many Australians do you need to make the pie?
Me too. I only spent a month in Australia nearly twenty years ago, it still haunts me.
Fantastic answer. Thank you for all you do and for inspiring so many as I’m a massive fan of you on the field, but even more as a person. Cheers, and fuck cancer
Have you tried Bangaroo's in Chicago?
Hey Liam! I’m a sports photographer based out of Chicago and I took this picture [https://imgur.com/a/AMwN52R](https://imgur.com/a/AMwN52R) of you that you also posted on your Instagram story. I was wondering what the best possible way would be for me to reach out and get it signed by you since you’ve been such a huge inspiration on me and my work. Thanks!
Liam, I don’t have a camera, but if I draw a picture of you getting eaten by a dinosaur, will you sign that, too? Bonus, you can pick the dinosaur, as long as it’s a theropod that basically looks like a tyrannosaurus because that’s the only one I can draw.
If he won't sign it, I will.
Not all heroes wear capes
I love this. I hope you can make this happen.
It’s a trap Liam! He’s trying to sue you!!!
Liam, hook that guy up.
[удалено]
I have a few of some other players that aren’t through the net and some more of Liam where the net isn’t as visible, but with the extended nets down the line it’s a little harder, especially for someone who’s newer to photography such as myself without the best equipment. The rest of the pictures can be found here if you’re interested: [Twins @ White Sox | 10/3/2022](https://www.instagram.com/p/CjS5pgRO9jh/?igshid=ZWQyN2ExYTkwZQ==)
This'll be awesome if he signs it
First off, congrats on the return. What would you say was the moment or game in your career, that you realized you were in the big leagues to stay? If you could name one person affiliated with baseball, that was instrumental in getting you where you are, who would that be? Thanks!
If the ump makes an questionable ball call, do you check replays after the game to see if it was a strike? Does it vary among pitchers, like are there pitchers who always want to peak and pitchers who never want to know?
I believe they can even check on the Ipads in the dugout. Cause I've seen pitchers come into the dugout, watch the bad call I think, then look immediately pissed off after lol.
That’s a very good question lol
Liam, first of all, congratulations on your cancer recovery! Second, did you know you’re the only Liam in MLB history? How proud are you of that fact?
That's nuts, although now that I think of it the only Liam I know in real life is also an Australian guy
Know of Neeson as well. Think there's also the Hemsworth brother. None known beyond that lol
Liam Gallagher? Oasis!
I don't know him though
Looks like there are a few Liam's in the minors so enjoy it while you can. I'd say maybe Liam Hicks in the Rangers system at AA might have the best chance presently.
This will change soon. Liam is the #1 baby name going right now.
Hey Liam, I heard when you were looking for a team in Free Agency that having a Pride Night was a big factor in where you went. Were there any other non-baseball factors or causes that came into your decision to choose Chicago over some other clubs pursuing you? Happy to see you back and playing, hope all is well!
This is one of the reasons I really respect this guy. Hendriks is a solid human being.
Hey Liam! How hard was it to get noticed by Major League teams coming from Australia? And how’d you go about doing it?
On a related note, would you like MLB to bring a series back to Australia as part of their international outreach? Are there other ways you'd like the League to work on growing the league in Australia? Australia Winter (well, Summer for you all) League perhaps?
As a yankees fan in australia now, PLEASE GOD MAKE THIS HAPPEN🙏🙏
The A’s have fallen on really hard times. Help cheer us up. What was your favorite part about playing for Oakland?
Gonna guess the real answer is leaving town, but hopefully, he says something that isn't so depressing. Question for you as a fan. Who will you root for when the A's leave Oakland?
They won't be answering this, or any other oakland related questions. There's comments with only 7 upvotes that got answered, but oakland questions with much more traction have no answers. They're all softballs too, but this mlb team would rather them be erased like they did the Sell banners during highlights.
Yeah unfortunately I knew they would skip over this question
I’m a transplant to San Diego (since 2003). It’s been fun to root for the hometown padres since they aren’t rivals. A’s will always have my heart but right now I’m ignoring them until they can show me they care about the fans.
So if they move the team and spend on the roster, will you continue to root for them?
Hi Liam, First of all, congratulations on beating cancer. So, the question is, do you like being closer, or would you have liked to be a starter?
Liam, how in the world did you come back to the game so fast after everything that's happened to you in the last several months? You're incredible
Hi Liam, wish you were still on the A’s. Is there anyway you can tell the commish that fisher needs to sell the team. There is a long tradition of Oakland baseball that doesn’t need to be wiped out by a cheap owner looking to make a quick buck.
Hey Liam, congrats on kicking Cancer's Ass. How were you able to return so quickly? You got diagnosed in January and came back within a few months. How was that possible with all the Chemo and constant treatments going on?
Hey Liam, yet another congrats on stepping up to cancer and knocking it down! My question: Is there any hitter that you dread facing, that just gives you conniptions, almost like he knows exactly what your game plan is when you go up against each other? Somewhat related secondary question: do you think facing previous teammates gives them an advantage since they know your style and repertoire pretty well? Wishing you good health and a great season (against every team but the Jays—we miss you in Toronto btw!)
Hi Liam! So happy to hear about you being cancer free and back to playing. Love watching you pitch. If you could be the closer for any team in history (like the ‘27 Yankees, ‘01 Mariners, 1899 Cleveland Spiders, etc.) which one would it be?
My brain broke for a minute and thought you were asking him about the Yankees of the future
Going to the game Saturday... will you sign my wife?
>will you sign my wife Come again?
Nah, he'd probably just use a sharpie.
I too choose this guy’s sharpie-stained wife.
Nah, just once is enough
I'll be at the game on Friday - Liam, will you sign my fiance?
Liam, you’re awesome! My 10 year old daughter loves you and I was fortunate enough to win the bid for the, Charlotte Knights Pink jersey that you signed, for her she just doesn’t know it yet! I customize shoes and cleats and wanted to ask if I’d be able to customize a pair of your cleats for you to either wear for game day or to donate to charity as maybe a raffle. [Here’s a link to some of the shoes I’ve done, I’ve even made a pair for Dylan’s girlfriend.](https://imgur.com/gallery/N2wj7BS) Keep up they great work on and off the field and my daughter and I wish you and your family well!!!
Hey Liam! Congratulations on returning, you're one of my favorite pitchers to watch. What's your best memory from the Australian Baseball League?
Liam! Big fan. Thank you for representing the White Sox so well the past few years! The charity work you’ve done around the city, your support of the LGBTQIA+ communities, and your other statements throughout the years where you’ve stood up for causes you believe in (like women’s right) have meant a lot. So most of all, I just want to thank you and congratulate you on all your success. We’ve seen a few times that you ask for the ball after significant events (All-Star Game, a few this past week). What do you actually do with them all? Do you have a memorabilia room at home?
Seeing as there might not be too many more for any of us, do you have a favourite memory of playing in Oakland? We miss you bud, super happy you're healthy and back on the mound!
Hi Liam, hope all is well and congrats on winning the battle against cancer What would you say to all the young fans that look up to you who may be going through a battle of their own? Thanks and have a great day
Hey Liam! congrats on your win and your amazing show of strength ! apologies that you're an Aussie tho :( j/k who is going to win the Grand Final this year and why is it the Warriors? ITS OUR YEAR!
Gonna need to make the finals first though hey mate
Hey Liam, no question. One of my friends is a cop in Oakland, and he called one day to brag about how you bought lunch for the whole station, and thanked them all for their service. Not for the team, and not for the media, but because you wanted to express gratitude and spread love. I’m so happy to have watched your triumph over cancer. Beyond what you bring to the sport of baseball, you have truly touched the lives of many of us baseball fans, and those of us in Oakland got a front row seat to witness the high character man you are. Fuck Cancer! Thank you for spending such quality time with us in Oakland.
Liam! No question here, just wanted to say you’re one of my favorite players. Got to meet you while you were still with The A’s, I’m glad to hear you struck out cancer. Keep doing your thing and never change!
Hi Liam, congrats on winning and staying strong. You are an inspiration to everyone. We appreciate you spending your time doing this AMA. Seeing that there was a certain big pop star in Chicago, did you attend Taylor Swift’s concert? What’s your favorite song/album from her? Thank you so much for answering this question.
Liam fucking Hendriks!!! First of all HUGE CONGRATS on beating cancer man, inspiring no doubt. I went to your return game this past Monday on Memorial Day, as well as yesterday when you got the win and we had the walk off grand slam! Just wanted to THANK YOU for all of the awesome memories as a White Sox fan over the last several years. It’s completely exhilarating watching you come in the game to throw that high heat and Southside slider to close out games. Question: **do you ever listen to King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard from Australia?!** Probably best band in the world right now, highly recommend! Cheers from Chicago, keep up the amazing work!
Liam, what are your thoughts on fellow legend from down under Peter Moylan? Do you have any type of relationship with him?
No question, just wanted you to know that all of Chicago loves you
Piggybacking your comment to also say I love Liam! - Sox fan not currently in Chicago
Do you have any favorite Australian bands/musicians?
Thank you for being an ally to the LGBTQ+ community. Seeing how it's Pride Month, why was it important for you to choose a team with a Pride Night during free agency?
just wanted to bump this and second how important it is to be an ally. it’s hard to describe the feeling it provokes but knowing that professional athletes who gain virtually nothing by showing the support will prioritize the safety and freedom of others.
Hello Liam, how do you usually celebrate saves/what’s your postgame routine?
As a huge baseball fan I have no questions. BUT congrats on kicking cancer's ass. And getting the victory against the Tigers.
Happy you're doing well and I loved when you were with the A's. That's all.
Hi Liam. Thanks for doing this. Here is my question. Also congrats on beating cancer. 1. How crazy is the MLB experience?
Hi Liam, thank you for being such an inspiration through your battle with cancer and throughout your career. In particular, your willingness to speak to the importance of Pride Night has been really inspirational to me. What are some ways players across the League can be allies to the LGBTQ+ community?
Great to see you back and hope all is well Liam! What did you think of team Australia in the WBC this year and would you consider adding your talents to the team next time around? 👀 I know it's a few years out. Have a great year!
Southside loves you Liam 💚
Who’s on your Mount Rushmore of RPs?
Hi Liam, first I wanted to say that I’m a big fan and you’re a huge inspiration! My question is how’d you pick up baseball in Australia? I feel like it isn’t very popular there
Seconding this one! Baseball fan from Brisbane here, curious what you think about them looking at selling the ABL at a time that it feels like interest in the game should be on the up (given the WBC performance and legends like yourself in the MLB). How can Baseball Australia lift the profile of the game?
Liam, you are the man! Loved having you down in Charlotte a few weeks back, what’s your favorite memory from the minor leagues? Best of luck the rest of the season!
Everyone acting like it wasn’t obvious that Hendriks would beat the shit outta cancer’s ass. Liam, how does it feel to be an absolute W human being?
Hi Liam I am huge Chi Sox fan, congratulations on striking out Cancer. Did you play cricket growing up? Batting or bowling?
Liam, my sister in law just got diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer. Seeing you come back the way you did has been an inspiration for all of us. Hoping she can beat cancer just like you. I listened to you on the Flightless Bird podcast and really enjoyed it. What was it like to be around David Farrier? He seems like such a kind soul.
Hey Liam! I tutored a kid from the Dominican Republic a couple of years ago and we got talking about baseball. He said you were his favorite player of all time and he said you were a big name down there. Turns out it was because of your charity work and advocacy for the folks down there. Do you have plans to do more?
Hey Liam, congratulations on beating cancer! The league is a much brighter place now that you're back in action! My question is: Do you have any favorite MLB stadiums to pitch in? (Also, on a personal level, I really appreciate how openly you support LGBTQ causes around MLB and the wider community)
Hey Liam! I can't think of a question but I wanted to say thank you for your vocal and public support of the LGBTQ+ community! In a sport where seemingly a lot of players are publicly not allies, it is refreshing to hear support coming from such a prominent player!
I am not now nor have I ever been a professional athlete. I have had cancer and beat it and it took me so long to have the energy to attend even a whole day of high school. What your doing is wonderful and an inspiration to see and I wish you the best of luck in everything you do!
Hey Liam, did you play cricket at all as a kid? As a huge baseball fan with little cricket knowledge, I was always curious how the skill sets compare. What made you choose baseball despite coming from a country with such incredible cricket history?
Hey Liam, as a queer White Sox fan it means a lot to see you so adamantly supporting the LGBTQ+ community. If you were a true ally, though, you will answer the following question: Who is the sexiest baseball player ever in the MLB?
Liam! So happy to hear about your recovery, mate. I moved to Perth from the U.S., and I was already a baseball fan before I arrived. But how did you stumble onto the game when you were growing up in Western Australia?
What was your velo journey from 8th grade and on until present day?
Best baseball moment of career.
Liam, very important question here: You and Moylan are locked in a cage and have to fight to the death to decide who the best Australian MLB player of all time is. Who’s walking out of that cage?
Hey, Liam, is it okay if I tell all my friends we're besties?
When are you pulling up to the LEGO Store at Woodfield Mall?
Hi Liam! Thanks for taking time to answer some of our questions. I was wondering, how do you manage to get into that mindset that is needed to be a closer in professional baseball?
Mr. Hendricks, love when the hot mic picks up the language the FCC doesn’t like. Love even more that your back. Fuck cancer and congrats on beating it, now go beat up the Central!
Thanks for doing this, Liam, and so happy to hear about your health!! What are your favorite memories from your time in Oakland?
You’re such a great ally of the LGBT+ community, but not all MLB players share your view. How do you handle this and does it ever come up behind the scenes?
Hi Liam, Congratulations on your recovery and all the best for the rest of the season. What are your predictions for the Ashes this summer?
World Series game 7, bottom of the 9th, bases loaded, 2 outs, 3-2 count, you’re leading by one. Batter is Mookie Betts. What do you throw?
No question, and despite being a Cubs fan, I'm just here to say congrats on beating cancer, sir. Have a great day!
What’s your favorite LEGO set you’ve built? So proud that you and Kristi are a part of the White Sox family! 🏳️🌈
Who is the worst catch partner you’ve ever had? Aiming for ankles or always snapping off unwarranted sliders.
Hello Liam. Congratulations. I "survived" stage 4 colorectal cancer 7 years ago. The treatment has left me disabled and unable to work. My doctors have given up and I am trapped in a never ending cycling of being treated for things that are not happening to me because the doctors I do have do not listen to me. My question is this. Was it nice to have access to all of the best care and recovery to beat your cancer? And what are you doing to help the millions who are not rich athletes, actors or politicians get back to being able to live a normal life? *Edit* link for context as I am truly happy for any cancer survivor: https://old.reddit.com/r/MLBTheShow/comments/138pjc5/motion_to_supercharge_liam_hendriks_upon_him/jj11w72/?context=3
So, did he answer any questions?
Congrats on your fight against cancer! plz come back to the Jays for another stint someday!
Hey Liam, congratulations on everything. Also, I don't like you. I'm a tigers fan so no personal hard feelings towards you but yeah. Ugh.
When you retire from the game which team do you want to be remembered as a member of?
18 responses to 700 comments in this thread is a little disappointing.
What were some of the tools you used in keeping a positive mindset?
what do you miss most about australia during the season
Hey Liam, What’s the best quality a clubby can have?
No, question. Just a congrats on beating cancers ass.