Bobby Jenks, legendary White Sox closer and 2005 World Series hero, dies at 44

DENVER — Bobby Jenks, the flame-throwing closer adored by generations of White Sox fans for his everyman attitude and a blazing fastball that helped seal the team's only World Series title in the last century, has died at age 44, the team announced Saturday.

Jenks died Friday in Portugal, where he had been undergoing treatment for adenocarcinoma, a form of stomach cancer.

His big frame stands front and center in some of the franchise's most indelible images, from bear-hugging Sox catcher AJ Pierzynski on the mound after drawing the final out of the 2005 World Series in Houston, to raising his arms in triumph after saving the famed "Blackout Game" to clinch the 2008 division title.

But teammates said they'd remember Jenks' selfless attitude and sense of humor in the clubhouse.

"Bobby was a larger-than-life figure and fans related to him. He overcame a lot early in life to have a great playing career, and after his playing days he did a lot of positive things to help himself and others," Pierzynski said in a statement. "I was fortunate enough to catch him in some of the biggest games in White Sox history, and I will never forget jumping into his arms after the last out of the World Series. He will be missed by all of his family, friends, and teammates.”

Jenks' death comes just a week before the team hosts a 20-year reunion for the championship team, of which Sox chairman Jerry Reinsdorf called Jenks "an iconic member."

The Mission Hills, California, native was drafted by the Angels in 2000, but alcohol issues and injuries left his career in limbo until the Sox claimed him off waivers in 2004. He seemingly came out of nowhere the next year as a late-season call-up to become shutdown force for the World Series squad as it labored toward the playoffs.

Dishing out 100-mph fastballs when triple-digit velocities were a rarity, a wicked curveball also helped make the 6-foot-4, 275-lbs rookie a household name as he racked up five scoreless playoff appearances en route to the Sox' first title since 1917.

"Everyone remembers him as a big guy and tough competitor who could throw 100, but he was really a big teddy bear off the field," Sox great Paul Konerko said in a statement.

Jenks notched 173 saves and 334 strikeouts over his 329 career appearances, many of which were summoned from the bullpen by former Sox manager Ozzie Guillen's wide-armed signal that told fans the burly reliever would be rumbling to the mound.

"I loved that man... Everyone remembers the moment when I called for the big fella in the World Series," Guillen said in a statement.

Jenks also kept things loose in the 2008 clubhouse, which he shared with current Sox' first base coach Jason Bourgeois.

"He gave me a hard time in the best way possible. Just a fun, fun guy," Bourgeois said in the Sox' dugout before their game Saturday at Colorado, where a moment of silence was held for Jenks before first pitch. "He made us feel at home."

Jenks spoke frankly about the substance abuse issues he overcame en route to six seasons with the Sox that included two All-Star Game appearances. He retired after a stint with Boston in 2011.

“You know, the [stuff] I was doing in my 20s and early 30s, no normal person would’ve survived,” Jenks told MLB.com earlier this year. “So, in one way, I’m grateful to be alive. In another way, I’m not surprised this [cancer] happened."

At the time of his diagnosis, Jenks was managing the independent-league Windy City Thunderbolts of suburban Crestwood.

“I really wanted to be based back in the city that gave me so much,” Jenks said when he was hired in 2023. “Chicago is home for me.”

During an interview last year with SoxTV, Jenks said baseball was still "what I love to do. I’m playing to be a world champion and that’s what I wanted to do from the time I picked up a baseball.”

Jenks is survived by his wife, Eleni Tzitzivacos, their two children, Zeno and Kate, and his four children from a prior marriage: Cuma, Nolan, Rylan and Jackson.