The hard-throwing reliever who played a key role in the Chicago White Sox’s historic 2005 World Series run, Bobby Jenks, has passed away at the age of 44, the team confirmed on Saturday.
Jenks died Friday in Sintra, Portugal, where he was undergoing treatment for adenocarcinoma, a type of stomach cancer.
A two-time All-Star, Jenks etched his name into franchise history by saving four games during the White Sox’s dominant postseason performance in 2005.
The towering 6-foot-4, 275-pound right-hander became a fan favorite and a trusted figure on the mound for then-manager Ozzie Guillén, who made a theatrical gesture, arms stretched wide, whenever summoning “the big fella” from the bullpen.
“Everyone remembers the moment when I called for the big fella in the World Series,” Guillén recalled in a statement. “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.”
Jenks followed his World Series heroics with back-to-back All-Star seasons, recording 41 saves in 2006 and 40 more in 2007. That same year, he made MLB history by retiring 41 consecutive batters, tying a record for relievers.
“He was embarrassing guys, good hitters, right away,” said former teammate and White Sox captain Paul Konerko in a video tribute.
Between 2005 and 2010, Jenks notched 173 saves for Chicago before finishing his career in 2011 with the Boston Red Sox, appearing in 19 games.
He retired with a 16-20 record, a 3.53 ERA, and 351 strikeouts over 348 relief outings.
White Sox owner Jerry Reinsdorf expressed his deep sorrow over Jenks’ passing, stating, “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 is survived by his wife, Eleni Tzitzivacos, their children Zeno and Kate, as well as four children from a previous marriage: Cuma, Nolan, Rylan, and Jackson.
“As a teammate,” said former White Sox outfielder Aaron Rowand, “he was the best.”
His passing comes just weeks before the White Sox were set to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their 2005 championship, a reunion that will now carry added emotional weight as teammates honor the memory of one of their most iconic figures.
