Philadelphia Phillies pitching prospect Corey Phelan, 20, dies of cancer

Philadelphia Phillies prospect Corey Phelan died at the age of 20 due to complications from cancer, the team announced in a statement Thursday.

Phelan was a left-handed pitcher in the organization and had been battling non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Phelan died Wednesday, according to his official MiLB player page.

"The Phillies family is extremely saddened by the tragic passing of Corey Phelan," the team said in the statement. "Corey’s positive presence and selflessness influenced everyone around him. While he was incredibly passionate about the game of baseball, his love for his family and his strong faith superseded everything else.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."

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Phelan was an undrafted signee out of high school in 2020. He posted a 1-0 record to go along with a 0.93 ERA over five games in his first professional season with the Phillies' Florida Complex League team.

He was diagnosed with cancer in April 2021.

“Corey is and will always be a special person,” Phillies Director of Player Development Preston Mattingly said. “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.”