The Chicago White Sox announced on Friday the passing of former star closer Bobby Jenks, whose overpowering fastball and fierce presence on the mound helped secure the team’s historic 2005 World Series title. Jenks died on July 4, 2025, in Sintra, Portugal, after battling stage 4 adenocarcinoma, a form of stomach cancer. He was 44.
Cause of Death
Jenks had been diagnosed with terminal stomach cancer and moved to Portugal in late 2024 to be closer to family. The White Sox confirmed that he passed away after months of treatment.
Age at Death
Born on March 14, 1981, Bobby Jenks was 44 years old.
Net Worth
At the time of his passing, Jenks’s net worth was estimated at $5.1 million. A large portion came from a 2019 malpractice settlement related to complications from spinal surgery that ultimately ended his playing career.
Career Highlights
Robert Scott Jenks began his professional baseball career when the Anaheim Angels drafted him in 2000. After being claimed off waivers by Chicago in December 2004, he made his major league debut on July 6, 2005. Just months later, he emerged as a dominant closer, recording pivotal saves in Game 4 of both the ALDS and the World Series—helping end the White Sox’s 88-year championship drought.
From 2005 to 2010, Jenks tallied 173 saves, the second most in franchise history, and struck out 334 batters over 329 relief appearances. He was selected as an American League All-Star in 2006 and 2007. In 2007, he tied an MLB record by retiring 41 consecutive hitters.
In 2011, he joined the Boston Red Sox, but chronic back problems limited him to 19 games and cost him his closer role.
Life After Baseball
Following his early retirement, Jenks remained involved in the sport he loved. He coached and managed in the minor leagues, guiding the Grand Junction Rockies to a Pioneer League championship in 2022 and earning Manager of the Year honors. In 2023, he became the manager of the Windy City ThunderBolts of the independent Frontier League.
Jenks’s later years were shaped by the aftermath of his 2011 spinal surgery. A “concurrent surgery,” in which his surgeon operated on another patient at the same time, led to severe complications, including spinal fluid leaks, infection, and permanent disability. The legal case ended with a $5.1 million settlement in 2019.
Surviving Family
Jenks is survived by his wife, Eleni Tzitzivacos, and their two children, Zeno and Kate. He is also survived by four children from a previous marriage: Cuma, Nolan, Rylan, and Jackson.
Bobby Jenks will be remembered as a powerful closer whose 102 mph fastball electrified Chicago and brought home a long-awaited championship. His career included 173 saves, two All-Star appearances, and a legacy of resilience that extended far beyond the mound. Despite the injuries and health challenges that cut short his playing days, he remained dedicated to his family and the game he loved.
RIP
