Liam Hendriks, a pitcher for the Australian Red Sox, has spoken out against the “vile” threats he and his wife have received on social media after the team’s recent loss to the New York Mets. The 36-year-old, who secured a two-year contract worth $15.2 million last year, has participated in 11 games this season.
Hendriks came on as a relief pitcher during the sixth inning, but unfortunately gave up three consecutive singles. Following the game, he took to Instagram to highlight the disturbing abuse directed at him. He stated, “Threats against me and my wife’s life are horrible and cruel. You need help,” referring to comments urging him to take his own life and expressing wishes for his death due to cancer.
The athlete had previously faced serious health challenges, having been diagnosed with stage four non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in June 2022 after discovering lumps on his neck. This diagnosis sidelined him for almost two years as he underwent treatment, which included surgery for an elbow injury. In April 2025, he made a triumphant return to competitive baseball, receiving a warm welcome from fans as he faced his former team, the White Sox.
In his social media post, Hendriks urged individuals to reconsider their actions, suggesting they reflect on their lives before resorting to such hurtful behaviour hidden behind screens. He called for an end to the abuse faced by players and their families, noting that it is a shared experience among many athletes.
This incident highlights a growing issue in sports culture, further exacerbated when Hendriks’ teammate Jarren Duran was involved in a separate confrontation with a fan shortly before this incident, which was managed by venue security.
Hendriks’ situation underlines the troubling trend of social media harassment against professional athletes, prompting discussion about the need for change in how fans interact with players online.