Bobby Jenks, World Series Champion Closer, Dies at 44
Chicago are mourning the loss of former White Sox All-Star closer and 2005 World Series champion, Bobby Jenks, who passed away on Friday, July 4, 2025, in Sintra, Portugal, after a battle with adenocarcinoma, a form of stomach cancer. He was 44 years old.
Jenks played a pivotal role in the Chicago White Sox’s historic 2005 World Series victory, ending an 88-year championship drought for the franchise. He recorded four saves in six postseason appearances that year, including the final out of Game 4 against the Houston Astros, securing the sweep.
“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.”
A two-time All-Star in 2006 and 2007, Jenks was known for his commanding fastball and intimidating presence on the mound. He saved 41 games in 2006 and 40 in 2007. In 2007, he notably retired 41 consecutive batters, matching a major league record for a reliever at the time.
Former White Sox first baseman Paul Konerko recalled, “He was embarrassing guys, good hitters, right away.”
Jenks pitched for the White Sox from 2005 to 2010, accumulating 173 saves, which places him second in team history. He concluded his major league career with 19 appearances for the Boston Red Sox in 2011. Over his career, he compiled a 16-20 record with a 3.53 ERA and 351 strikeouts in 348 relief appearances.
His passing comes just weeks before the White Sox were set to hold a 20th anniversary reunion for their 2005 championship team. Former White Sox manager Ozzie Guillén, who famously signaled for Jenks from the bullpen with outstretched arms, stated, “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.”
Stage 4 Adenocarcinoma
Jenks had openly discussed his battle with Stage 4 adenocarcinoma earlier this year, having moved to Portugal to be closer to his wife’s family after their home was lost in the California wildfires.
He is survived by his wife, Eleni Tzitzivacos, and their two children, Zeno and Kate, as well as his four children from a prior marriage, Cuma, Nolan, Rylan, and Jackson.
“He and his family knew cancer would be his toughest battle, and he will be missed as a husband, father, friend, and teammate,” Reinsdorf added. “He will forever hold a special place in all our hearts.”
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