Bobby Jenks, the two-time All-Star who recorded the final out of the 2005 World Series, died on Friday, the White Sox announced. He was 44 years old.
Former Chicago White Sox All-Star pitcher and 2005 World Series Champion Bobby Jenks passed away yesterday, July 4, in Sintra, Portugal, where he had been battling adenocarcinoma, a form of stomach cancer. He was 44 years old. pic.twitter.com/KDb3I0KL66
— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) July 5, 2025
Jenks, who had been battling adenocarcinoma, a form of stomach cancer, spent six of his seven seasons with the White Sox, capturing All-Star honors in 2006 and 2007. From 2006-2008, Jenks accrued 6.8 bWAR, the sixth-best mark among relievers.
“We have lost an iconic member of the White Sox family today,” Chicago chairman Jerry Reinsdorf said in a statement. “None of us will ever forget that ninth inning of Game 4 in Houston, all that Bobby did for the 2005 World Series champions and for the entire Sox organization during his time in Chicago. He and his family knew cancer would be his toughest battle, and he will be missed as a husband, father, friend and teammate. He will forever hold a special place in all our hearts.”
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Known for his fiery fastball and penchant for saves, Jenks became the second-youngest reliever to record back-to-back 40 save seasons between 2006 and 2007. He also tied an MLB record after consecutive outs, setting aside 41 straight batters.
It was a far cry from Jenks’ origins. The Missions Hill, Calif., native transitioned from starting pitcher prospect to bullpen arm after landing on the IL multiple times in different seasons. Jenks was immediately thrust in the pen after Chicago placed him on waivers following the conclusion of the 2004 season. By July 2005, Jenks was up in the big leagues. By the end of October, he was a World Series champion.
RIP Bobby Jenks. We will always have this moment. Thank you for that. You’ll forever be a Chicago sports legend. pic.twitter.com/jeqWbSy5tk
— Ross Read (@RossRead) July 5, 2025
Jenks wasn’t able to reach the heights he scaled during his first few seasons with the White Sox as time went on. He enjoyed a high-profile feud with former Chicago manager Ozzie Guillen and dealt with a litany of health issues that would bring his career to a premature end. Still, he’s remembered fondly at Rate Field for his elegantly erratic pitching.
Jenks is survived by his wife, Eleni Tzitzivacos, their two children, Zeno and Kate as well as his four children from a prior marriage: Cuma, Nolan, Rylan and Jackson.
Bobby Jenks tributes
The baseball world paid homage to Jenks across social media on Saturday evening. Here are some of the most notable reactions from MLB enthusiasts:
Incredibly sad news. RIP Bobby Jenks pic.twitter.com/9g0rFxakxA
— Joe Binder (@JoeBinder) July 5, 2025
Rest in peace our friend Bobby Jenks. Great person and lynch pin to Wh Sox WS 2005 championship. 🙏
— Bruce Levine (@MLBBruceLevine) July 5, 2025
Unbelievably sad news. Bobby was a bigger than life individual in so many ways. A heartbreaking loss. https://t.co/iriF78KPio
— Scott Merkin (@scottmerkin) July 5, 2025
We are deeply saddened by the passing of former Major League pitcher Bobby Jenks.
Jenks pitched for the White Sox from 2005 until 2010 and for the Red Sox in 2011. In his time in Chicago, Jenks amassed 173 saves, including back-to-back seasons of 40+ saves in 2006 and 2007.… pic.twitter.com/krehQHUvza
— MLB (@MLB) July 5, 2025
Bobby will forever hold a special place in all our hearts 🤍 pic.twitter.com/CLNi7g0Tzh
— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) July 5, 2025
Bobby Jenks career stats
Jenks played for two teams during his big-league career — the White Sox and Red Sox.
| Games | 348 |
| ERA | 3.53 |
| Saves | 173 |
| Strikeouts | 351 |
| W-L | 16-20 |
| Innings Pitched | 357.1 |
| ERA+ | 131 |
| bWAR | 8.3 |
| All-star selections | 2 |
| Championships | 1 |
