In recent years, a distinct network of Major League Baseball pitchers who have faced cancer has emerged, tracing its origins back to a phone call from cyclist and cancer survivor Lance Armstrong. This informal fraternity, composed of players who have endured various types of cancer diagnoses, has created a support system that helps athletes navigate the physical and emotional challenges of treatment while continuing their professional careers.

The connection began in early 2017 when Armstrong reached out to Chad Bettis, then a pitcher for the Colorado Rockies, after Bettis was diagnosed with testicular cancer. Armstrong’s own experience with testicular cancer 30 years prior had shaped his understanding of the long and uncertain path toward recovery. He emphasized the ongoing nature of survivorship and the importance of visibility and support for others facing similar battles. Bettis took this message to heart and, following his own treatment, extended support to fellow pitchers Jameson Taillon, Liam Hendriks, Nic Enright, and most recently Caden Scarborough, a Texas Rangers prospect diagnosed with melanoma.

Jameson Taillon’s diagnosis in May 2017 occurred shortly after Bettis had begun his recovery. Taillon, who had a Stage 1B malignant tumor in his left testicle, continued to pitch during routine treatments and returned to the mound just five weeks after surgery. While initially feeling conflicted about the attention his condition generated, Taillon came to realize the positive impact of his visibility, which helped many fans and others affected by cancer find hope. His connection with Bettis was a key part of that journey.

Liam Hendriks, diagnosed with Stage 4 non-Hodgkin lymphoma in early 2023, leaned heavily on the advice and encouragement from Taillon and others. Overcoming chemotherapy’s side effects, including severe nausea, fatigue, and weight gain, Hendriks emphasized the mental resilience required to return to form. Despite announcing his retirement recently after a 14-year career, Hendriks found purpose in engaging directly with cancer patients during games and raising awareness through advocacy efforts alongside his wife.

Nic Enright, diagnosed with Stage 2 nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma, had yet to make his major league debut when his career was interrupted by cancer. His story mirrors the struggles of balancing treatment with preparation for the MLB. Supported by Hendriks’s guidance and others in the fraternity, Enright debuted in 2025 and continues to fight the disease while maintaining a connection with Scarborough, who also benefits from this shared experience.

These players’ journeys highlight the unique challenges professional athletes face when diagnosed with cancer, including balancing physical demands with treatment regimens and confronting the emotional toll. The fraternity forged through shared experience not only provides practical advice but also fosters a sense of solidarity and hope.

Armstrong reflected on the network as a “grapevine of support,” a sentiment echoed by those within the group who emphasize the importance of visibility and communication. For them, survival extends beyond individual recovery to a broader mission of mentorship and advocacy.

This fraternity illustrates how challenges outside of sports can shape athletes’ lives and careers, creating communities that transcend the game itself and showcase resilience amid adversity.