Phillies minor leaguer Corey Phelan passes away at age 20

Corey Phelan, a Phillies minor leaguer pitcher who was battling cancer, has passed away at the age of 20.

Phelan was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma in April and was undergoing treatment at a New York hospital.

A number of Phillies minor league players and coaches honored their late teammate, including pitching prospect and close friend Jake McKenna:

It seems that #Phillies prospect Corey Phelan has lost his battle with non-Hodgkin lymphoma. LHP Jake McKenna has posted a message on Instagram honoring his friend. 👊🏽 pic.twitter.com/zgNBS04uxl

— Jay Floyd (@PhoulBallz) October 13, 2022

Corey was, hands down, the nicest player I’ve ever met. He brought a brightness into the clubhouse and I never once saw him without a smile. I’m absolutely gutted to hear he’s lost his battle with cancer. #FuckCancer https://t.co/QT1aKfoRej

— Zack Jones (@Elite_Catching) October 13, 2022

Great friend. Better person. Always smiling. This hurts. RIP Corey https://t.co/B2omSXB3yZ

— Erik Miller (@E_Rex23) October 13, 2022

RIP 💔! What an incredible Kid & teammate! Gone but never forgotten! https://t.co/025dMTVWx5

— Pat Robles (@patrobles_) October 13, 2022

Phillies director of player development Preston Mattingly released the following statement:

“Corey is and will always be a special person. His smile lit up a room and anybody who came in contact with him cherished the interaction. His memory will live on, especially with the Phillies organization.”

Phelan signed with the Phillies as an undrafted free agent in 2020 and made his minor league debut in July 2021. Phelan was getting ready to start the 2022 season with the Low-A Clearwater Threshers when a trip to the emergency room revealed a nine-inch tumor on his chest.

Rest easy, Corey ❤️ pic.twitter.com/Mwm1TQcUtb

— Milb Central (@milb_central) October 13, 2022

Phelan and his family visited the Phillies while the team was in New York to play the Mets earlier this season. During a May visit, he gave every member of the organization a green wristband with his name on it. He rooted for the Phillies and dreamed of taking the mound at Citizens Bank Park one day.

Phillies Nation sends our condolences to Corey’s family, friends and teammates at this difficult time.