Former Chicago White Sox pitcher Robert Scott ‘Bobby’ Jenks passed away this Friday after a battle against stomach cancer.
According to the Major League Baseball (MLB) portal, Jenks, 44, had been battling an adenocarcinoma in Portugal.
Chicago White Sox chairman Jerry Reinsdorf expressed himself upon the passing. “We have lost an iconic member of the White Sox family,” he said.
“None of us will ever forget that ninth inning of Game 4 in Houston, everything that Bobby did for the 2005 World Series champions and for the entire White Sox organization during his time in Chicago. He and his family knew that cancer would be his toughest battle, and he will be missed as a husband, father, friend, and teammate. He will always hold a special place in all of our hearts,” he added.
Bobby Jenks, a former Major League pitcher, played for seven seasons, standing out mainly with the Chicago White Sox between 2005 and 2010. He was key in the 2005 World Series championship, breaking an 88-year drought for the franchise.
He also recorded 173 saves, 351 strikeouts, and an ERA of 3.53 in 348 appearances, placing him among the team’s historical relief leaders. He was a two-time All-Star and is remembered for his powerful fastball that exceeded 100 miles per hour.
He retired in 2011 after a brief stint with the Boston Red Sox. He is survived by his wife, Eleni Tzitzivacos, and six children.