Bobby Jenks, the towering closer who helped deliver the Chicago White Sox’s unforgettable 2005 World Series title, has passed away at the age of 44, the team confirmed on Saturday.
Jenks died Friday in Sintra, Portugal, while receiving treatment for adenocarcinoma, a form of stomach cancer, according to CNN.
Known for his blazing fastball and unshakable presence on the mound, Jenks was a force during the White Sox’s historic championship run—recording four clutch saves in six postseason games. His dominance earned him back-to-back All-Star selections in 2006 and 2007, with 41 and 40 saves respectively, cementing his legacy as one of the game’s elite closers during that era.
Jenks leaves behind a legacy of power, perseverance, and passion that won’t soon be forgotten.
Bobby Jenks, a towering force on the pitcher’s mound, was best known for his dominant role as a closer with the Chicago White Sox during the mid-2000s. Born on March 14, 1981, in Mission Hills, California, Jenks defied the odds from the start. Battling through a tough childhood and early career setbacks—including injuries and off-field issues—he was initially drafted by the Anaheim Angels in 2000, only to be released before ever making a major league appearance. But fate had other plans. The Chicago White Sox took a chance on him, and that pivotal decision launched one of the most memorable comeback stories in baseball.
Jenks burst onto the Major League scene in 2005, making an immediate impact in his debut season with the Chicago White Sox. That same year, he became a breakout star during the team’s historic run to its first World Series championship in 88 years. With ice in his veins and a blazing fastball that overwhelmed hitters, Jenks appeared in six postseason games and secured four critical saves, earning a reputation as a fearless finisher under pressure.
In the seasons that followed, he cemented his status as one of baseball’s elite closers. Jenks was named an All-Star in both 2006 and 2007, racking up 41 and 40 saves, respectively. At his peak, his fastball regularly topped 100 mph, making him one of the most intimidating arms in the game and a cornerstone of the White Sox bullpen.
Injuries eventually took a heavy toll on Jenks’s career, and after a brief stint with the Boston Red Sox, he made the difficult decision to retire from Major League Baseball. In the years that followed, he faced serious health challenges, including multiple back surgeries and complications from a failed medical procedure.
“He and his family knew cancer would be his toughest battle, and he will be missed as a husband, father, friend, and teammate,” White Sox owner Jerry Reinsdorf shared with CNN. “Bobby will forever hold a special place in all our hearts.”
Jenks is survived by his wife, Eleni Tzitzivacos, and their two children, Zeno and Kate, as well as four children from a previous marriage: Cuma, Nolan, Rylan, and Jackson.