Bobby Jenks passes away, the news that rocked Chicago’s baseball community on July 4, 2025.
The two-time All-Star and world champion of the Chicago White Sox of 2005 passed away in Sintra, Portugal, due to stage 4 stomach cancer, but with his family around him. His age was only 44.
From Booming Fastball to World Series Hero
Jenks burst onto the scene in 2005 with a blazing fastball that topped 102 mph, helping the White Sox break an 88-year championship drought.
He pitched the final innings in Game 4 at the World Series, and his contribution in lifting the team out of the drought made him an overnight hero with the fans.
In the following years, he saved 41 games in both 2006 and 2007, earned two All-Star selections, and set a record by retiring 41 consecutive batters in 2007.
In more than six seasons in Chicago, Jenks earned exactly 173 saves, the second most behind the great Bobby Thigpen.
Final Battle with Cancer
Jenks publicly revealed his stage 4 adenocarcinoma diagnosis in February while being treated in Portugal, where he moved to be close to his wife’s family following the destruction of their California home in a wildfire.
He was an optimist even though he was sick. Talking about health lessons mentioned in a touching hospital interview, he emphasized that it is important to take care of oneself. people.com.
Tributes Pour In
Dean Ozzie Guillen, who summoned Jenks with open arms in 2005, said:
People will never forget when I declared the big fella during the World Series.
White Sox chairman Jerry Reinsdorf shared:
We now have a lost an icon of the White Sox family… Cancer was his most challenging battle as known by him and his family members”.
Former teammate Paul Konerko described Jenks as someone who “was embarrassing guys, good hitters, right away,” recalling his dominance and his big heart.
Legacy Beyond the Mound
After being retired, Jenks participated in baseball more as a minor league coach and manager. In 2022, he was recognized as the Manager of the Year after he led the Grand Junction Rockies to a league title in the Pioneer League.
He is survived by his wife Eleni Tzitzivacos and six children—two with her, four from a prior marriage.
Final Thoughts: Bobby Jenks Passes Away, Baseball Mourns
The shocking news that Bobby Jenks passes away at just 44 leaves a void in the White Sox community.
In his fastball exploits of 2005, as well as his stoic coaching achievements, Jenks was an embodiment of passion, power, and grit both in and out of uniform.
👉 What was your favorite Bobby Jenks moment? Share your memories in the comments below.
Bobby Jenks, 44, Former White Sox Closer and 2005 World Series Champion, Passes Away After https://t.co/DGiGjpYPkk
— Stay Updated (@PulseTrend2) July 6, 2025
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