Corey Phelan, a Phillies left-handed pitcher who was signed as an undrafted free agent out of high school in 2020, has died at 20 after he was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in April.
On Thursday, Phillies director of player development Preston Mattingly said in a statement tweeted by the Phillies Player Development account:
“Corey is and will always be a special person. His smile lit up a room and everyone who came in contact with him cherished the interaction. His memory will live on, especially with the Phillies organization.”
Wrote a lengthy note, paying tribute to Phelan on Instagram:
“Meeting Corey and having the friendship we had was an absolute blessing and changed my life. “Everyday he pushed me to be a better person and always put a smile on my face. He lit up every room he walked in and made an impact on everyone he met. I’m devastated I lost my best friend but incredibly grateful I had as much time as I did with him. Please keep him and his family in your prayers.”
The Phillies team also put out an official statement:
“While he was incredibly passionate about the game of baseball, his love for his family and his strong faith superseded everything else.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.”
Minor League Baseball also issued a statement mourning Phelan’s loss;
“We are saddened by the passing of Corey Phelan, a prospect in the Phillies organization. Our thoughts are with Corey’s family, friends and teammates.”
“I am shaken and distraught to hear of the loss of Corey Phelan,” former Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. tweeted.
“May the Phelan family find peace knowing that their son and loved one was a beacon of joy and faith and that he has impacted so many in a positive way as he battled for his life and all that is good. Rip Corey.”
