Bobby Jenks, the former Chicago White Sox pitcher and a pivotal player in the team’s 2005 World Series championship, passed away from cancer at the age of 44 on July 4, 2023, in Sintra, Portugal. His death marked a significant loss for the baseball community, as Major League Baseball confirmed that he was undergoing treatment for advanced adenocarcinoma, a severe form of stomach cancer. Survived by his second wife, Eleni Tzitzivacos, and their children, Zeno and Kate, as well as four children from his first marriage to Adele Romkee, Jenks leaves behind a legacy that will be remembered fondly by fans and teammates alike.
The Chicago White Sox expressed their sorrow through an official statement, with Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf describing Jenks as “an iconic member of the White Sox family.” Reinsdorf reminisced about Jenks’s pivotal performance in the 2005 World Series, most notably his scoreless ninth inning against the Houston Astros in Game 4, which was instrumental in ending the team’s 88-year championship drought. The impact of that moment resonates deeply within the organization, highlighting Jenks’s crucial role in a historic season for the White Sox, who had not won a championship since 1917.
Former manager Ozzie Guillen shared his grief and admiration for Jenks, referring to him as one of his “all-time favorite players.” Guillen recalled fond memories, including the moment he called upon Jenks during the World Series. Juxtaposed with his feelings of loss, Guillen anticipated the upcoming 2005 reunion from July 11-13 as an opportunity for fellow players and coaches to celebrate Jenks’s life and contributions to the team. These remembrances underline the strong bonds Jenks forged with his teammates, showcasing the personal connections that extend beyond the field.
Jenks had a remarkable MLB career, which included setting the record for retiring 41 consecutive batters and earning All-Star honors twice. He was a dedicated member of the White Sox from 2005 until 2010 and concluded his professional journey with the Boston Red Sox in 2011. Beyond his playing career, Jenks transitioned into coaching, taking on roles as a pitching coach and general manager for the Grand Junction Rockies in MLB’s Pioneer League, in addition to working with other minor league teams. This transition illustrates his commitment to the sport and mentoring aspiring players, continuing to influence baseball even after his time on the mound.
In February, Jenks publicly announced his cancer diagnosis during an interview with MLB.com, revealing the struggles he faced and the process he was undergoing for treatment. He shared how, following a CT scan, doctors discovered a tumor in his chest, which had metastasized to various parts of his body. Despite the grave diagnosis, Jenks maintained an optimistic outlook, emphasizing his resolve to fight and recover, reflecting a resilient spirit typical of accomplished athletes who face significant challenges.
Unfortunately, Jenks’s family faced additional hardships when their home in Pacific Palisades, California, was lost to the destructive Palisades Fire in January. In a moment of vulnerability, Jenks admitted the loss of countless irreplaceable memorabilia from his career, sparking a sense of emotional turmoil beyond his battle with cancer. “I’ve got one suitcase left to my name,” he lamented, underscoring the severity of his circumstances. Overall, Bobby Jenks’s life and career are a testament to resilience and the indelible impact one individual can have on a team and its fans, remaining forever etched in the annals of baseball history.
