The baseball world is mourning the loss of a beloved figure. bobby Jenks, the dominant former Chicago white Sox closer instrumental in their historic 2005 World Series championship, has passed away at the age of 44 after bravely battling cancer. His death marks a sad day for fans and former teammates who remember his fiery presence on the mound and his impact off it.
Jenks, a two-time MLB All-Star, died on Friday, July 4, 2025, in Sintra, Portugal, where he had recently been living with his family. The cause was Stage 4 adenocarcinoma, a form of stomach cancer he had openly discussed in recent months. The news was confirmed by the Chicago White Sox organization, who released a heartfelt statement acknowledging his significant contributions and the profound sense of loss felt throughout the Sox family.
Remembering a White Sox Icon
Bobby Jenks arrived in Chicago and quickly became a central figure in one of the franchise’s most memorable seasons. His powerful fastball, often hitting 100 mph, made him an intimidating presence for opposing hitters stepping into the batter’s box in late innings. As a rookie in 2005, he embraced the high-pressure role of closer, a challenge many first-year players struggle with. Jenks not only handled the pressure; he thrived under it, helping guide the White Sox to their first World Series title in 88 years.
His performance in the 2005 postseason was crucial. Jenks recorded four saves in six appearances, showcasing composure and effectiveness when it mattered most. Notably, two of those saves were series-clinching victories. He closed out Game 3 of the ALDS against the Boston Red Sox and, perhaps most famously, threw the final pitches of the 2005 World Series in Game 4 against the Houston Astros, securing the championship and etching his name into White Sox lore forever. Former teammates like catcher A.J. Pierzynski recalled the emotion of that moment, including jumping into Jenks’ arms on the mound after the final out.
Dominance on the Diamond and All-Star Recognition
Following the 2005 triumph, Bobby Jenks solidified his status as one of baseball’s premier closers. He earned back-to-back American League All-Star selections in 2006 and 2007. During those two seasons, he accumulated an impressive 81 saves, recording 41 in 2006 and 40 in 2007. His consistency and ability to shut down opponents were remarkable.
One particular highlight from his dominant run came in 2007 when he retired 41 consecutive batters faced. This extraordinary feat tied a Major League Baseball record for a relief pitcher at the time, demonstrating the peak of his control and command. Former White Sox first baseman Paul Konerko described Jenks during this period as “embarrassing guys, good hitters, right away,” a testament to the difficulty batters faced when confronting his powerful arm.
Career Achievements and Statistics
Jenks spent six of his seven major league seasons with the Chicago White Sox, from 2005 to 2010. Over this tenure, he recorded 173 saves for the club, ranking him second in franchise history for saves. He also ranks highly among White Sox relievers, placing sixth in appearances (329) and seventh in strikeouts (334). He concluded his MLB career with 19 appearances for the Boston Red Sox in 2011. Across his entire big league career, pitching exclusively in relief, Jenks compiled a 16-20 win-loss record with a 3.53 earned run average and 351 strikeouts in 348 appearances.
His major league career was cut short after he underwent surgery in December 2011 to address bone spurs in his back. This procedure unfortunately led to complications, and Jenks later filed a lawsuit in 2015, alleging medical malpractice had caused his career-ending injury. The legal matter was resolved in 2019 when he reached a settlement, accepting $5.1 million from Massachusetts General Hospital and a doctor involved in the procedure.
A Battle Beyond Baseball
After his playing days ended, Bobby Jenks remained connected to the game he loved. He transitioned into coaching and managing in the minor leagues, sharing his experience and passion with younger players. He served as a pitching coach for the Grand Junction Rockies in 2021 before being promoted to manager in 2022, leading the team to a championship and earning Manager of the Year honors. In 2023, he coached with the Princeton WhistlePigs before returning to managing with the independent Frontier League’s Windy City ThunderBolts later that year. He reportedly intended to return for a second season managing the ThunderBolts in 2025, according to an interview he gave just months before his passing.
Jenks faced immense challenges in his personal life alongside his health battle. In the interview with MLB.com in February 2025, conducted from a hospital bed in Portugal, he revealed the severity of his Stage 4 adenocarcinoma diagnosis. He and his wife, Eleni, had moved to Portugal in October 2024 to be closer to her family, but soon after relocating, health problems escalated from deep vein thrombosis and blood clots to the discovery of an aggressive tumor that had spread.
Compounding these struggles, Jenks and his family also tragically lost their home and belongings in the Palisades fire. He spoke emotionally about being left with only a single suitcase, stating, “It’s all gone. Everything else I’ve ever done. I have everything, first to first. All those things are irreplaceable.” In a small measure of solace, his cherished 2005 World Series ring was among the few possessions that survived the devastating fire.
A Legacy Remembered by Teammates and Fans
Tributes poured in following the announcement of Bobby Jenks’ death, reflecting the impact he had on those who knew him and the White Sox organization. White Sox Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf issued a statement calling Jenks an “iconic member” of the team’s family. He specifically referenced the unforgettable ninth inning of Game 4 in Houston, highlighting Jenks’ pivotal role in the 2005 championship. Reinsdorf acknowledged the difficulty of Jenks’ fight with cancer, stating, “He and his family knew cancer would be his toughest battle, and he will be missed as a husband, father, friend and teammate.” He added that Jenks “will forever hold a special place in all our hearts.”
Former White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen remembered Jenks as one of his “all-time favorite players” and called it a “very sad day.” Guillen recalled the moment he called upon Jenks to finish the World Series and even mentioned plans for a bobblehead commemorating that iconic moment. Paul Konerko, while recognizing Jenks’ tough competitor image on the field, also described him as a “big teddy bear off the field,” emphasizing his significant role in the team’s success and presence in key wins. Former outfielder Aaron Rowand simply but powerfully called Jenks “the best.”
In a summer 2024 interview with SoxTV, Jenks shared his deep connection to baseball, saying, “You play for the love of the game, the joy of it… I’m playing to be a world champion and that’s what I wanted to do from the time I picked up a baseball.” That passion and drive defined his career and left an indelible mark.
Bobby Jenks is survived by his wife, Eleni Tzitzivacos, and their six children: Zeno, Kate, Cuma, Nolan, Rylan, and Jackson. His passing leaves a void in the hearts of many, but his contributions to baseball and his unforgettable role in the 2005 World Series will always be remembered.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did former White Sox closer Bobby Jenks die?
Bobby Jenks passed away at the age of 44 on Friday, July 4, 2025, in Sintra, Portugal. His death was a result of Stage 4 adenocarcinoma, an aggressive form of stomach cancer that he had been battling. He had revealed his diagnosis publicly earlier in the year and had moved to Portugal with his wife to be closer to her family during his illness.
What was Bobby Jenks most known for during his MLB career?
Bobby Jenks is most known for his dominant tenure as the closer for the Chicago White Sox, particularly his critical role in their 2005 World Series victory. As a rookie that season, he recorded four saves in the postseason, including closing out Game 4 of the World Series against the Houston Astros. He was also a two-time All-Star (2006, 2007), recording back-to-back seasons with 40+ saves and once tying an MLB record by retiring 41 consecutive batters as a reliever.
What was Bobby Jenks doing after his baseball playing career?
After his playing career ended due to injury, Bobby Jenks transitioned into coaching and managing in minor league baseball. He worked with several teams, including the Grand Junction Rockies, where he won Manager of the Year in 2022, and the Windy City ThunderBolts. He was actively involved in baseball until shortly before his death, planning to return to managing for the 2025 season.
The baseball community reflects on the life and career of Bobby Jenks, remembering his powerful pitching, championship spirit, and the impact he made both on and off the field. His legacy as a White Sox legend is secure.
