Tim Hill’s remarkable path from cancer to clutch pitcher inspires Yankees

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Tim Hill brought poise to his World Series debut, breezing through the fifth inning of Saturday’s game with efficient pitching. He swiftly retired Freddie Freeman, who had excelled in Game 1, and then handled Tommy Edman, a standout in the NLCS, with minimal pitches.

The Yankees pitcher continued his solid performance into the sixth, retiring two left-handed hitters before passing the game to Clay Holmes. Though the Yankees ultimately fell in Game 2, the bullpen, including Hill’s efforts, remained strong.

Hill’s calm under pressure highlights his journey through greater challenges in his career. Drafted in the late rounds out of Oklahoma’s small Bacone College by the Kansas City Royals in 2014, Hill made an immediate impact, posting a 1.64 ERA in his first professional season.

But in 2015, his path took an unexpected turn. Routine spring training tests flagged abnormal blood work, prompting further exams due to his family’s history of colon cancer. A colonoscopy led to a life-changing diagnosis: Stage 3 colon cancer at age 25, alongside a genetic discovery of Lynch syndrome, increasing his cancer risk.

Hill underwent a rigorous treatment journey, including surgery to remove part of his colon, followed by rounds of radiation and chemotherapy. During this time, he relocated to San Diego, where his sister took on the critical role of managing his treatment schedule and care, ensuring every step of his recovery was attended to.

Tim Hill’s Yankees success forged in cancer fight fire

Tim Hill’s eight-month battle with cancer took a heavy toll, with chemotherapy leaving a once-sturdy 6-foot-4 athlete 70 pounds lighter. By December 2015, when he visited his team’s Arizona facility, he weighed only 145 pounds.

By spring training in 2016, however, Hill had mounted a remarkable recovery, regaining his strength and returning to around 210 pounds. His body gradually shed the effects of chemotherapy, allowing him to rebuild his health and career.

Hill’s recovery was no easy feat. He committed to an intensive nutrition plan, eating six full meals daily and consuming anything available to fuel his recovery. His days followed a strict regimen: weightlifting sessions, meals, and scheduled rest, including two naps. This two-and-a-half-month routine, though unconventional, helped him regain his pre-diagnosis weight by Royals spring training.

His comeback was swift. Hill progressed to Double-A in his first season post-recovery, reached the majors in 2018, and was later traded to the Padres in 2020. After signing with the White Sox this season, he was designated for assignment in June, paving the way for the Yankees to bring him on board.

Hill felt welcomed by the Yankees, especially appreciating the trust they showed in him and the support from teammates like Jose Trevino.

“Amazing,” he said. “It’s been great. Super blessed just to be on this team.”

Now 34, Hill’s journey from a 32nd-round draft pick out of Bacone College to cancer survivor and World Series pitcher with the Yankees highlights his resilience. He expressed deep gratitude for his current role and the chance to make an impact on the field.

Hill’s story is a powerful example of the determination required to overcome life-threatening health issues and succeed in professional sports.

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