Bobby Jenks, the former All-Star closer who helped deliver the Chicago White Sox their historic 2005 World Series title, has died at the age of 44 following a battle with stomach cancer, the team and Major League Baseball confirmed Friday.
“We have lost an iconic member of the White Sox family today,” said White Sox chairman Jerry Reinsdorf 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.”
Jenks had been battling adenocarcinoma, a form of stomach cancer, and had been living in Portugal to be closer to his wife’s family. He is survived by his wife, Eleni, and six children.
RIP Bobby Jenks 🕊️ pic.twitter.com/fyDFVgLETH
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) July 5, 2025
Originally drafted by the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in 2000, Jenks was a flame-throwing right-hander with immense potential. However, persistent injuries stalled his early career, and he was eventually designated for assignment. The White Sox claimed him off waivers in December 2004 and assigned him to their Double-A affiliate.
That move proved pivotal.
Jenks was called up to the majors midway through the 2005 season and quickly became a key bullpen piece in the White Sox’s title run. He appeared in all four games of the 2005 World Series, notching two saves and famously recording the final out of the series-clinching Game 4 win against the Houston Astros — a moment forever etched into franchise lore.
Following his breakout, Jenks was named to back-to-back All-Star teams in 2006 and 2007. He converted 41 of 45 save chances in 2006 and remained a dominant force in the bullpen throughout his six-season run in Chicago.
At the time of his passing, Jenks ranked second on the White Sox’s all-time saves list with 173, trailing only Bobby Thigpen (201).
Jenks later signed a two-year, $12 million contract with the Boston Red Sox, though lingering health and back issues limited him to just one season. He officially retired from baseball shortly thereafter.
Post-retirement, Jenks remained involved in the sport, taking on coaching roles with independent league teams including the Grand Junction Rockies and clubs in the Frontier League. He eventually served as a manager, earning respect for his work with young pitchers.
