The Chicago White Sox family mourns the tragic death of former All-Star closer Bobby Jenks. He passed away, the organization declared on Friday, July 5, 2025, just days before the 20th anniversary celebration of the 2005 World Series champion squad. Memories of one of the most iconic times in White Sox history, he passed at 44 following a fierce fight with stomach cancer.
What happened to Bobby Jenks and how did he lose his life
Bobby Jenks first gained fame in 2005 when he debuted for the Chicago White Sox in the major leagues. He helped the team to win its first World Series in 88 years the same year. He was the one on the mound during many key events, finishing World Series Game 4 in Houston and marking the save in the ALDS sweep over the Red Sox. Jenks quickly became among MLB’s best closers, well-known for his fast fastball and composed under pressure. In 2006 and 2007 he was awarded back-to-back All-Star honors. With over 40 saves a year, he played a major role in enabling the squad to win games during those seasons. He finished his career second in franchise history for saves with the White Sox having 173 career saves and a 3. 40 ERA across six seasons.In 2007, Jenks tied an American League record by retiring 41 straight batters, a streak that was only broken by teammate Mark Buehrle two years later.
Bobby Jenks’ health battles and coaching comeback plans
After his peak years in Chicago, Bobby Jenks joined the Boston Red Sox but struggled with injuries. His MLB career ended in 2011 after a series of health issues. Even after leaving the majors, Jenks continued to fight. Though he dealt with many medical ailments, he returned to baseball in 2024 leading the Windy City ThunderBolts in an independent league. Also Read: Yankees pitcher Clarke Schmidt faces major setback with expected Tommy John surgeryDespite his preparations to return to the dugout in 2025, his fight against adenocarcinoma, a kind of stomach cancer, kept him off the game he loved. Leaving his wife Eleni and their two kids behind, Jenks departs for four children from a previous marriage.White Sox Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf shared, “Bobby will always have a special place in our hearts. His legacy is part of our history forever.”
