Former White Sox closer Bobby Jenks passes away at 44

Bobby Jenks, a member of the 2005 Chicago White Sox World Series championship team, died after a battle with Stage 4 adenocarcinoma, a form of stomach cancer, on Friday in Sintra, Portugal.

Jenks, a flame-throwing reliever who appeared in the 2006 and 2007 All-Star Games, was 44 years old.

“We have lost an iconic member of the White Sox family today,” said White Sox chairman Jerry Reinsdorf. “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.”

In just six seasons (2005-10) with Chicago, Jenks posted 173 saves and 334 strikeouts in 341 2/3 innings. He stands second in team history in saves, behind only Bobby Thigpen’s 201.

Jenks is also sixth in appearances (329) and seventh in strikeouts for White Sox relief pitchers.

“Terrible news about Bobby,” said former batterymate A.J. Pierzynski. “He came to the major leagues with some of the biggest expectations and lived up to them. Bobby was a larger-than-life figure and fans related to him. He overcame a lot early in life to have a great playing career, and after his playing days he did a lot of positive things to help himself and others. I was fortunate enough to catch him in some of the biggest games in White Sox history, and I will never forget jumping into his arms after the last out of the World Series. He will be missed by all of his family, friends, and teammates.”

Jenks was originally drafted by the Angels in 2000, but was a December 2004 waiver claim by Chicago. He was called up mid-season in 2005 and made his Major League debut on July 6. Jenks took over the closer’s role and earned six saves during the regular season, then appeared in six playoff games. He recorded saves in the series-clinching win over Boston in the ALDS and closed the door on Houston in the final game (Game 4) of the 2005 World Series.

Jenks recorded 41 saves in 2006 and 40 more in 2007, earning All-Star nods in both seasons. He tied a major league record in 2007, retiring 41 consecutive hitters. At 26 years old, he was the second-youngest reliever to record back-to-back 40-save seasons.

He left Chicago after a 27-save season in 2010 and completed his career in Boston the following year. He appeared in 19 games with the Red Sox, but did not add to his saves total.

For his career, Jenks posted a record of 16-20 with a 3.53 ERA and ranks 75th on the MLB all-time saves list.

“Just a sad day for his family and friends, former teammates and all White Sox fans,” said former teammate Paul Konerko. “Everyone remembers him as a big guy and tough competitor who could throw 100, but he was really a big teddy bear off the field. Bobby was such a big part of our success and was on the mound at the end of the game for some of the biggest wins in White Sox history. He truly will be missed by all.”

After Jenks’ long absence from professional baseball, the Mission Hills, Calif., native was hired as a pitching coach for the Grand Junction Rockies, an MLB Partner League club. He was promoted to manager in 2022 and earned the league’s Manager of the Year award as the Rockies (now Jackalopes) won the league title.

Jenks and his wife, Eleni Tzitzivacos, moved to Portugal in October 2024. Not long after they relocated, he was diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis in his right calf and later dealt with multiple blood clots in his lungs. Early in 2025, he noticed that his energy level was decreasing, and after testing at a local hospital, it was discovered that a tumor had formed in his chest.

Jenks is survived by his wife, their two children, and four children from a previous marriage.

“Bobby Jenks is one of my all-time favorite players. I loved that man,” said former manager Ozzie Guillen. “This is a very sad day for everyone involved with the White Sox. Everyone remembers the moment when I called for the big fella in the World Series, so the bobblehead of that moment will be a great way to keep that moment alive for White Sox fans. Everyone has a favorite story about Bobby, so the 2005 reunion will be a great opportunity to get together with all his teammates and coaches and relive some of our greatest memories of him.”

–Field Level Media