Tim Hill Named 2025 Tony Conigliaro Award Winner: A Tribute to Courage

The fierce rivalry between the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox took a momentous turn recently, as both teams united to honor an inspiring story of resilience and bravery. Yankees reliever Tim Hill has been named the 2025 Tony Conigliaro Award winner, recognizing his remarkable journey of overcoming colon cancer to thrive in Major League Baseball.

What is the Tony Conigliaro Award?

Established in 1990, the Tony Conigliaro Award honors a Major League player who exemplifies the spirit, determination, and courage reminiscent of Conigliaro himself. The former Red Sox outfielder faced his own adversity when he was struck in the face by a pitch during the 1967 season. He bravely returned to baseball two years later, although his career was cut short at the age of 30 due to persistent vision problems.

Notable Past Recipients

The award has celebrated numerous players who have triumphed over challenges, including:

• Trey Mancini – Cancer survivor
• Jon Lester – Cancer survivor
• R.A. Dickey – Notable for his historic 2012 season
• Jim Abbott – One-handed pitcher

Tim Hill’s Amazing Journey

At 35, Hill is the first active Yankees player to receive the prestigious award. In a heartfelt statement, he expressed, "I am humbled and grateful to be recognized as this year’s recipient of the Tony Conigliaro Award. Tony’s story is one of determination and resilience, qualities I have always admired." His journey serves as a powerful reminder that setbacks don’t define one’s future.

From Loss to Inspiration

Hill’s road to success was fraught with personal tragedy. In 2007, he lost his father, Jerry, to colon cancer. His passion for baseball ignited a year later when he was selected by the Kansas City Royals in the 32nd round of the MLB Draft in 2014. However, during his first spring training in 2015, he experienced troubling symptoms. Medical examinations revealed that he had Lynch syndrome, a genetic condition that increases cancer risk.

A Life-Altering Diagnosis

As Hill recounted, “[Doctors] were like, ‘We want to give you a colonoscopy. We don’t think we’re going to find anything.’ But they did.” Before he had the chance to play a full season, Hill was diagnosed with Stage 3 colon cancer.

Overcoming Adversity

• Treatment Journey: Hill underwent eight months of chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery that removed half of his colon.
• Weight Loss: The grueling treatment left him at just 145 pounds, significantly below his normal weight.
• Recovery: Hill dedicated himself to rebuilding his health by consuming six to seven meals a day and gradually returning to baseball. By 2018, he made his major league debut.

A New Chapter with the Yankees

Since his debut, Hill has carved out a niche as a valuable bullpen asset, playing for teams like the Padres and White Sox before joining the Yankees in 2024. His dynamic pitching style has earned him commendable statistics, including a 2.68 ERA over 105 games for the Yankees. Last season alone, he made 70 appearances, leading the team with a 3.09 ERA across 67 innings.

Future Prospects

The Yankees recently exercised a $3 million club option to retain Hill for the 2026 season, affirming their confidence in his abilities and commitment to the team.

Conclusion

Tim Hill’s story not only showcases the spirit of the Tony Conigliaro Award but also serves to inspire countless fans and athletes facing their own battles. Hill’s courage in the face of adversity is a testament to the strength of human spirit, reminding us all that resilience can lead to incredible success.

For more stories about athletes overcoming adversity, check out The Players’ Tribune and explore more about the health risks associated with Lynch syndrome by visiting Cancer.org.