Passed away at the age of 44, former Major League Baseball player, Bobby Jenks, whose stellar career included a pair of All-Star appearances and a World Series title with the Chicago White Sox.
Bobby Jenks, a two-time American League All-Star and World Series champion with the Chicago White Sox, has tragically passed away at the age of 44. The news of his untimely demise on Friday in Sintra, Portugal, where he was being treated for adenocarcinoma, a form of stomach cancer, has left the baseball community in deep mourning.
Jenks spent six seasons with the White Sox from 2005 to 2010, during which he became one of the franchise's most celebrated relief pitchers. His impressive career statistics and achievements have solidified his position as a key figure in the team's mid-2000s success and cemented his status as one of the White Sox's all-time great closers.
During his tenure with the White Sox, Jenks recorded 173 saves, a tally that ranks him second all-time in the franchise's history behind Bobby Thigpen, who had 201 saves. In 329 relief games, he maintained a commendable 3.40 ERA. Jenks' most notable achievement with the White Sox came in 2005 when he contributed to the team's historic World Series championship by pitching the final out to clinch the title in Game 4, marking the team's first championship in 88 years.
In 2007, Jenks set a Major League record by retiring 41 consecutive batters, a record that lasted until 2009. His powerful fastball, which could reach 102 mph, along with his slider, changeup, and hard curveball, made him a formidable force on the mound.
Ozzie Guillén, who managed the World Series-winning squad, had a signature move to summon Jenks from the bullpen. Former White Sox outfielder Aaron Rowand described Jenks as an exceptional teammate. Paul Konerko, a former White Sox first baseman, recalled Jenks as someone who would "embarrass guys, good hitters, right away."
The White Sox were set to hold a 20th anniversary reunion for the franchise's most recent title-winning team weeks before Jenks' death. As a tribute to the late Bobby Jenks, the Colorado Rockies showed their respect by observing a moment of silence before their game against the White Sox.
Jenks concluded his MLB career with the Boston Red Sox in 2011. Although his time with the Red Sox was brief and less distinguished than with the White Sox, he brought veteran closing experience to the team. For his career, Jenks was 16-20 with a 3.53 ERA and 351 strikeouts in 348 appearances, all in relief.
Jenks is survived by his wife, Eleni Tzitzivacos, their two children, Zeno and Kate, and his four children from a prior marriage, Cuma, Nolan, Rylan, and Jackson. White Sox owner Jerry Reinsdorf expressed condolences for Bobby Jenks, stating that he will be missed as a husband, father, friend, and teammate.
Jenks' legacy will undoubtedly live on in the hearts of White Sox fans and the baseball community at large. His contributions to the team's success and his unforgettable performances on the mound will forever be etched in White Sox history.
As a tribute to Bobby Jenks' remarkable career, the Colorado Rockies paid their respect by observing a moment of silence before their game against the White Sox. Throughout his six seasons with the White Sox, Jenks established himself as one of the franchise's most celebrated relief pitchers, setting records such as the Major League record of retiring 41 consecutive batters in 2007. His impressive career statistics and key role in the White Sox's 2005 World Series championship have solidified his position as one of the White Sox's all-time great closers in Major League Baseball.
