Corey Phelan dead at 20: Phillies minor league pitcher dies in heartbreaking tribute from baseball team

A PRO baseball player has died after tragically losing a tough battle with cancer.

Corey Phelan, a pitcher in the Phillies minor league system, sadly passed away at the age of just 20, the Phillies announced Thursday.

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“The Phillies family is deeply saddened by the tragic death of Corey Phelan,” the team said in a statement.

“Corey’s positive presence and selflessness impacted everyone around him.

“Although he had an incredible passion for the game of baseball, his love for his family and strong faith outweighed all else.

“We send our deepest condolences to his family, teammates and associates who stood by his side and offered emotional support throughout the court hearing in his courageous battle with cancer.”

Phelan began playing with the Phillies in 2020 right out of high school as an undrafted free agent, MLB reported.

During his first professional season for the Phillies at the rookie level of the Florida Complex League, he threw nine relief innings and gave up just one run.

In April of this year, the New York native was diagnosed with cancer.

Just a month after the tragic diagnosis, the rookie visited the Phillies at Citi Field and made a lasting impression while spending time with the team in the clubhouse.

“It was great,” Phelan said after the game.

“I can’t put into words how great it was. Every time I can see them on TV I watch them depending on which channel they are playing on and I cheer for them at every game.

“I love watching them play. They lift my spirits.”

It was also a memorable experience for the players as they witnessed Phelan’s extreme passion for the game despite its troubling circumstances.

“He’s going through some tough times,” Phillies pitcher Aaron Nola said after his visit.

“The hard times we’re going through in baseball don’t compare to what he’s going through.

“The positivity he has shown — his faith and belief that God is in control.

“Obviously it shows what kind of person he is, what kind of man he is. The guys in the clubhouse saw that.”

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