PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A Phillies minor leaguer died Thursday at the age of 20 after a battle with non-Hodgkins lymphoma.
The Phillies organization announced the death of left-handed pitcher Corey Phelan on Thursday.
“The Phillies family is extremely saddened by the tragic passing of Corey Phelan,” said Preston Mattingly, Phillies director of player development, in a statement. “Corey’s positive presence and selflessness influenced everyone around him. While he was incredibly passionate about the game of baseball, his love for his family and his strong faith superseded everything else.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, a New York native, was signed as an undrafted free agent in 2020. He pitched only 9 ⅔ relief innings in his first season in 2021 before he received his cancer diagnosis in April 2022.