After the Chicago White Sox announced the passing of Bobby Jenks, the All-Star pitcher and 2005 World Series Champion following a battle with stomach cancer, tributes began pouring in from some of those who knew him best: his fellow teammates.
Jenks, who won a World Series championship with the White Sox in 2005, had been diagnosed with adenocarcinoma earlier this year, and passed away Friday in Portugal, the White Sox announced in a press release.
He made his MLB debut with the White Sox during the remarkable 2005 season, with six saves and a 2.75 ERA during the regular season. He was especially critical in the playoffs, racking up four more saves and closing out the final game of the World Series, which gave the team their first title in 88 years.
Several teammates shared their condolences on social media, including A. J. Pierzynski, Jermaine Dye and Paul Konerko.
Bobby you will be missed. Prayers to his family. Huge guy with a huge heart. #2005forever 💔 https://t.co/H5r5SI2Yeu
— A.J. Pierzynski (@ajpierzynski12) July 5, 2025
RIP Bobby!
Prayers going up for his family. You will be missed Big Guy. #2005forever https://t.co/pWUI8KdJD6— Jermaine Dye (@JermaineDye) July 5, 2025
Rip Big Bobby Jenks! So sad to hear this news, unreal. Your presence and confidence was unmatched in that 2005 Clubhouse. You were a young player that competed at the highest level. Unfazed by the Big moments. God Bless your family! 🙏🏾#GoneToSoon
— Frank Thomas (@TheBigHurt_35) July 5, 2025
Konerko released the following statement through the team:
“Just a sad day for his family and friends, former teammates and all White Sox fans,” he said. “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. Bobby was such a big part of our success and was on the mound at the end of the game for some of the biggest wins in White Sox history. He truly will be missed by all.”
Former White Sox Manager Ozzie Guillén, who helped lead the team to their World Series win, called Jenks “one of my all-time favorite players.”
“I loved that man,” he said in a statement released by the team. “This is a very sad day for everyone involved with the White Sox. Everyone remembers the moment when I called for the big fella in the World Series, so the bobblehead of that moment will be a great way to keep that moment alive for White Sox fans. 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.”
I’m sad to hear about Bobby. Out of words to describe how I feel. Losing a player and more importantly, a friend is never easy. A fierce competitor with no fear, just power, and a big heart. Heaven got one hell of a closer… and an even better man. Rest easy, Bobby. #2005forever pic.twitter.com/9ofibFvBTL
— Ozzie Guillen (@OzzieGuillen) July 6, 2025
MLB, in a post of its own, said, in part, “We are deeply saddened by the passing of former Major League pitcher Bobby Jenks…”
We are deeply saddened by the passing of former Major League pitcher Bobby Jenks.
Jenks pitched for the White Sox from 2005 until 2010 and for the Red Sox in 2011. In his time in Chicago, Jenks amassed 173 saves, including back-to-back seasons of 40+ saves in 2006 and 2007.… pic.twitter.com/krehQHUvza
— MLB (@MLB) July 5, 2025
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