He was an All-Star in each of the next two seasons while saving 41 games in 2006 and 40 in 2007.
Bobby Jenks, a former two-time All-Star closer and a key player in the Chicago White Sox’s World Series victory, has passed away at the age of 44, as announced by the team on Saturday.
The White Sox said Jenks died Friday in Sintra, Portugal, where he was being treated for adenocarcinoma, a form of stomach cancer.
Jenks was instrumental in the White Sox’s 2005 World Series triumph, recording four saves across six postseason appearances. In the following two seasons, he continued his impressive performance as an All-Star, achieving 41 saves in the 2006 season and 40 saves in 2007.
He retired 41 consecutive batters in 2007, matching a record for a reliever.
“He was embarrassing guys, good hitters, right away,” former White Sox first baseman Paul Konerko said in a video tribute.
During his stint with the White Sox from 2005 to 2010, Jenks recorded 173 saves. He concluded his MLB career with 19 games for the Boston Red Sox in 2011. Over his career, he held a 16-20 win-loss record, maintained a 3.53 ERA, and achieved 351 strikeouts in 348 relief appearances.
“He and his family knew cancer would be his toughest battle, and he will be missed as a husband, father, friend and teammate,” White Sox owner Jerry Reinsdorf said in a statement. “He will forever hold a special place in all our hearts.”
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.
“As a teammate,” former White Sox outfielder Aaron Rowand said, “he was the best.”
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