After a tough battle with stomach cancer, former Chicago White Sox pitcher and 2005 World Series champ Bobby Jenks died at 44. His life was full of big wins and big losses on and off the field and it ended on July 6, 2025. Jenks’ story is one of grit, loss and never giving up even when life gives you its worst.
The Mound’s Star
Jenks debuted in 2005 with the White Sox as a rookie. He was a big man 6’4” 275 pounds who threw 102 mph fastballs. His last pitch in the 2005 World Series secured Chicago’s first title in 88 years and made him a Southside legend. He had 173 saves in 6 seasons with the White Sox, 2 All-Star appearances in 2006 and 2007. He retired 41 in a row in 2007 breaking a major league record. Injuries ended his time with the Boston Red Sox in 2011 and his career.
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An Injury That Ruined a Career
After a botched back surgery at Massachusetts General Hospital in 2011, Jenks’ life went downhill. The surgery to remove bone spurs went sideways when the surgeon left a spike in his spine and Jenks nearly died from the infection. His career was over after a second emergency surgery saved his life. The mistake was irreversible even though he got a $5.1 million settlement for it later. He was addicted to painkillers and took up to 60 pills a day and had erratic behavior and mood swings.
Fighting Cancer and Loss
Fighting Cancer and GriefJenks got hit again in 2025 when he was diagnosed with stage 4 stomach cancer, adenocarcinoma. The cancer had spread to his bones, hips and stomach lining. He started feeling symptoms in October 2024, blood clots, fatigue and jaundice. Doctors found a tumor in his chest in January 2025. Jenks who lives in Portugal with his 2 young children and his wife Eleni, refused to let doctors tell him how long he had to live. “I’m not going to die here in Portugal” he told MLB.com, determined to fight for more time.
The January 2025 Palisades wildfires in California also destroyed his family’s house and all his baseball memorabilia except his World Series ring. Despite the setback Jenks kept his focus on his family and his goal to get back to managing the Windy City ThunderBolts, an independent baseball team in Illinois.
A Legacy of Toughness
Jenks’ cancer fight was brutal. He went through chemo, immunotherapy and radiation and was so weak he couldn’t work. To pay for medical bills he signed autographs for fans with the help of friends like former Dodgers pitcher Darren Dreifort who donated the proceeds from a similar event. Jenks’ wife Eleni was his rock, managing his care and their family’s needs while dealing with her own health issues.
Even in his final days Jenks kept his humor and hope alive. For his 44th birthday in March 2025 he asked for a tent and wanted to go on a family camping trip across Europe. “I’m going to be here fighting” he told The Athletic in an emotional interview. He was going to attend the White Sox 20 year World Series reunion in July 2025 but his health wouldn’t allow it.
Remembering Bobby Jenks
Bobby Jenks passed away July 6, 2025 and left behind a legacy as a tough son of a gun and a Chicago favorite. Fans and teammates remembered his big personality and big performances. “Bobby was like Paul Bunyan” said former teammate A.J. Pierzynski. “A giant of a human being”. The White Sox and their fans mourned his loss with tributes to his role in their 2005 championship.
Jenks’ life wasn’t easy. From a tough childhood in Idaho to addiction and a career ending injury he faced challenges most of us can’t even imagine. But he found purpose in coaching and family and was sober for over 7 years and inspired those around him. His story reminds us to take care of ourselves and cherish the moments we have.
Mark Phury is a dynamic sports enthusiast with a knack for capturing the thrill of the game. With 3 years at Hindustan Times, he delivers sharp, engaging stories that resonate with fans. Reach him at markphury@gmail.com for insights that score every time.