In November 2016, Chad Bettis’s life appeared to be on an upward trajectory: a stable marriage, an expected child, and a promising career as a pitcher for the Colorado Rockies. That perception shifted abruptly when Bettis was diagnosed with testicular cancer during a first anniversary celebration in Scottsdale, Arizona. The diagnosis set in motion a chain of events that would forge a unique fraternity among Major League Baseball pitchers who have battled cancer.
Shortly after his diagnosis, Bettis received a call from former professional cyclist Lance Armstrong, himself a testicular cancer survivor. Armstrong offered not only guidance for confronting the illness but also inspired a support network among pitchers confronting cancer. This informal fraternity includes Bettis, James Taillon, Liam Hendriks, Nic Enright, and most recently, Texas Rangers prospect Caden Scarbrough, with contributions from Jon Lester and Carlos Carrasco as well.
Armstrong views his cancer experience as preparation for his later public controversies and personal setbacks, noting that surviving cancer gave him a renewed sense of purpose. He connected with Bettis through Huston Street, a Major League Baseball reliever, during spring training in 2017. Their extended conversation focused on the importance of accepting help, maintaining perseverance through treatment, and allowing oneself grace amidst the rigors of chemotherapy.
For Taillon, diagnosed with Stage 1B testicular cancer in May 2017, Bettis’s guidance proved invaluable. Taillon underwent surgery and a temporary break from pitching but did not require chemotherapy. Bettis encouraged him to continue pitching when possible, helping Taillon maintain a sense of normalcy and purpose. Taillon embraced his role as a visible advocate and source of encouragement for fans and fellow patients, a responsibility he had not anticipated. He described this support as a means of connecting to others facing the disease, including fans who related to his journey on a personal level.
In January 2023, when Hendriks announced his diagnosis with Stage 4 non-Hodgkin lymphoma, Taillon reached out to offer support, acknowledging the emotional challenges Hendriks faced. Hendriks, known for his aggressive pitching style, relied on Taillon’s words of encouragement as he underwent extensive chemotherapy and physical side effects, including nausea, weight gain, fatigue, and impaired coordination. Hendriks and his wife, Kristi, have since engaged in cancer awareness efforts, including founding the Close Out Cancer campaign and supporting lymphoma research.
Similarly, Nic Enright, diagnosed with Stage 2 nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma in late 2022, credits this fraternity of pitchers for providing practical advice and emotional support during his treatment and eventual comeback. Enright made his major league debut in May 2025, nearly three years after his diagnosis, and continues to balance treatment with recovery from Tommy John surgery. He now shares his experiences to assist others, including maintaining communication with Caden Scarbrough, who is managing melanoma while developing with the Rangers.
The impact of this network was first publicly evident when Bettis returned to the mound in August 2017, nearly a year after his diagnosis. His comeback was met with wide support from fans, teammates, and fellow survivors. Bettis’s seven scoreless innings in his return underscored the resilience shared among these athletes. A year later, Bettis and Taillon faced each other on the mound, symbolizing the fraternity’s ongoing bond and mutual encouragement.
Armstrong reflects on this collective experience as a testament to survival and solidarity: although cancer remains a serious threat, those affected find a “grapevine of support” within the baseball community. This unofficial network exemplifies how shared adversity can foster connection and hope among professional athletes facing life-altering challenges.