Bobby Jenks, a two-time MLB All-Star closer and World Series champion with the Chicago White Sox, passed away on July 4th in Sintra, Portugal, after battling stage 4 adenocarcinoma, a form of stomach cancer. He was 44 years old. White Sox owner Jerry Reindulf expressed that Jenks and his family knew cancer would be his toughest battle and emphasized that beyond being an athlete, he was a devoted husband, father, friend, and teammate, who will always hold a special place in their hearts.
Jenks played a crucial role in the White Sox’s 2005 World Series victory, saving four games over six postseason appearances. He was selected as an All-Star in both 2006 and 2007, saving a total of 81 games during those two seasons. In 2007, he tied a record by retiring 41 consecutive batters. Former White Sox first baseman Paul Connelco recalled that Jenks was immediately intimidating to good batters.
He concluded his career in 2011 with 19 appearances for the Boston Red Sox, after saving 173 games with the White Sox from 2005 to 2010. His career stats included a 16-20 record, a 3.53 ERA, and 351 strikeouts in 348 appearances. In December 2011, Jenks underwent surgery to remove bone spurs from his back and never returned to playing. He filed a medical malpractice lawsuit in 2015, which resulted in a $5.1 million settlement in 2019 from Massachusetts General Hospital, after it was found that doctors caused a career-ending spinal injury.
Jenks leaves behind his wife, Eleni Zizzivakos, and six children: Zeno, Kate, Bear, Nolan, Rylan, and Jackson. Before his passing, Jenks had expressed hope to recover enough to manage the minor league Windy City Thunderbolts in Crestwood, Illinois, for a second season, as he told MLB.com earlier this year.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Fan Take: Bobby Jenks was not only a powerhouse on the mound but a beloved figure in the baseball community, and his passing is a profound loss for fans and players alike. His resilience and career achievements highlight the human side of the sport, reminding us of the struggles athletes face beyond the game and the legacy they leave behind.
