Reliever Liam Hendriks has been selected as the 2023 recipient of the Tony Conigliaro Award, the Boston Red Sox announced Wednesday.

The Red Sox have named a Tony Conigliaro Award winner every year since 1990 in recognition of a “Major Leaguer who has overcome adversity through the attributes of spirit, determination, and courage that were trademarks of Tony C.” Conigliaro’s career was tragically cut short when he was hit in the head by a pitch during the 1967 season. He passed away at the age of 45 in 1990.

A native of Perth, Australia, Hendriks was diagnosed with Stage 4 non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma last December. He underwent eight rounds of chemotherapy, which began in January and ended in April, and four rounds of immunotherapy before returning to the White Sox on May 29.

After his diagnosis, the three-time All-Star launched a campaign inviting fans to purchase “Close Out Cancer” T-shirts, with proceeds benefiting the Lymphoma Research Foundation. At ESPN’s annual ESPY Awards in July, Hendriks accepted the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance. He was later named a Roberto Clemente Award nominee for the third straight year and the fifth time in his career and he was named AL Comeback Player of the Year on Tuesday.

Hendriks ultimately made five appearances for Chicago in 2023, notching two wins and one save, before undergoing season-ending Tommy John surgery in August. He became a free agent this offseason after the White Sox declined his 2024 team option.

“As baseball players we all dream about winning World Series rings, but if this year has taught me anything it’s that the biggest impact I can make is by being a source of inspiration to others who are dealing with their own difficult circumstances,” said Hendriks. “I’ve spent a good deal of time sitting in the bullpen at Fenway Park, and to be awarded this honor and have my name associated with Tony Conigliaro’s is something I will forever cherish. I’d like to thank the committee, the media members, Major League Baseball, the Red Sox organization, and the Conigliaro family for believing that I deserve this incredible recognition.”

Voting for the Tony Conigliaro Award was conducted by a 12-person committee comprised of Red Sox officials, Major League Baseball executives and media members. Hendriks, Yankees right-handed pitcher Ian Hamilton and Red Sox left-handed pitcher Chris Sale all received first-place votes. Pirates infielder Drew Maggi also received votes.