Bobby Jenks, a World Series champion with the 2005 White Sox and two-time All-Star closer, has died after a battle with cancer. Jenks was 44.

The White Sox announced that Jenks passed away on Friday in Portugal, where his family had moved to be closer to his in-laws.

In February, Jenks revealed that he was battling stage 4 adenocarcinoma, a form of stomach cancer.

"We have lost an iconic member of the White Sox family today," said White Sox Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf. "None of us will ever forget that ninth inning of Game 4 in Houston, all that Bobby did for the 2005 World Series champions and for the entire Sox organization during his time in Chicago. He and his family knew cancer would be his toughest battle, and he will be missed as a husband, father, friend and teammate. He will forever hold a special place in all our hearts."

Jenks, who spent last year as manager of the Windy City Thunderbolts, an independent Frontier League team based in southwest suburban Crestwood, pitched for the White Sox for six seasons from 2005-10, saving 173 games during that span, before finishing his career with 19 appearances in 2011 with the Boston Red Sox.

"Bobby Jenks is one of my all-time favorite players. I loved that man. 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," said former White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen, who led the 2005 World Series team.

Jenks went 14-18 in his six seasons with the White Sox, with a 3.40 ERA and 334 strikeouts over 329 relief appearances. He ranks among franchise relief leaders in saves (2nd), appearances (6th) and strikeouts (7th). 

"Terrible news about Bobby. He came to the major leagues with some of the biggest expectations and lived up to them. 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. 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," said 2005 teammate A.J. Pierzynski.  

Jenks, who routinely reached 100 mph with his fastball, helped the White Sox win the 2005 World Series, saving four games in six appearances during the postseason run, including the clinching game of the World Series. He was an All-Star in each of the next two seasons while saving a total of 81 games in 2006 and 2007. Over the next three seasons, he averaged 28-plus saves a year.

He retired 41 consecutive batters in 2007, matching a record for a reliever.

"You play for the love of the game, the joy of it," said Jenks during his last interview with SoxTV in summer 2024. "It's 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.

"Just a sad day for his family and friends, former teammates and all White Sox fans. 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," said Jenks' 2005 World Series teammate Paul Konerko.