Bobby Jenks Dies at 44 After Stomach Cancer Diagnosis, Won World Series with White Sox

Former Chicago White Sox closer and 2005 World Series winner Bobby Jenks died on Friday at age 44, the team announced.

Jenks had been diagnosed in January with Stage 4 adenocarcinoma, a form of stomach cancer.

Jenks spent six seasons with the White Sox and one with the Boston Red Sox between 2005 and 2011. He was named an All-Star in 2006 and 2007.

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

Originally drafted by the Anaheim Angels in 2000, Jenks made his MLB debut with the White Sox in July 2005.

The rookie closer went on to pitch in the 2005 World Series. He struck out Houston Astros infielder Adam Everett to claim the final out of Game 1 and help the White Sox claim the franchise's first win in a World Series game since 1959.

He was back on the mound for Game 4, where he closed out a 1-0 shutout to help the White Sox complete a championship sweep of the Astros.

Jenks recorded 40 saves in both the 2006 and 2007 seasons. He also tied what was then a major-league record by retiring 41 consecutive batters in 2007.

He left the White Sox having recorded 173 saves in 329 games, which today ranks behind only Bobby Thigpen for the most in franchise history.

Jenks was forced to retire from his playing career after one season with the Red Sox due to injuries including bone spurs in his back.

He later spent three seasons coaching professional teams. He was named the Pioneer League's Manager of the Year in 2022 after leading the Grand Junction Rockies to a 62-33 record and a championship.

Most recently, Jenks served as manager of the Frontier League's Windy City ThunderBolts. He was set to manage the ThunderBolts for a second season in 2025 before taking a leave of absence to undergo cancer treatment, according to the team.

Jenks later moved to Portugal to be closer to the family of his wife, Eleni Tzitzivacos, per MLB.com's Scott Merkin.

He is survived by his wife, their two children, and four children from his previous marriage, according to MLB.com.