Former Chicago White Sox closer Bobby Jenks has died at the age of 44 from stomach cancer.
Jenks, who won a World Series championship with the White Sox in 2005, had been diagnosed with adenocarcinoma earlier this year, and passed away Friday in Portugal, the White Sox announced in a press release.
“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.”
Jenks spoke to The Athletic about being diagnosed with Stage 4 stomach cancer earlier this year, which came just weeks after his Southern California home burned down in the Palisades Fire in the Los Angeles area in January.
“I’ve come to the realization that it could be six months, or it could be three years,” he said. “But I’m ready. And however long it takes, I’m going to be here fighting it.”
He made his MLB debut with the White Sox during the remarkable 2005 season, with six saves and a 2.75 ERA during the regular season. He was especially critical in the playoffs, racking up four more saves and closing out the final game of the World Series, which gave the team their first title in 88 years.
Jenks had 173 saves during six seasons with the White Sox.
The California native pitched the 2011 MLB season with the Boston Red Sox.
Jenks is survived by his wife, Eleni Tzitzivacos, their two children, Zeno and Kate, and his four children from a prior marriage, Cuma, Nolan, Rylan and Jackson, according to the White Sox.