Former White Sox pitcher Bobby Jenks dies at 44: What was the cause of death?
In five years with the Chicago White Sox, Jenks won the World Series in 2005 and was named an MLB All-Star on two occasions.
The world of baseball is in mourning following the death of former Chicago White Sox pitcher Bobby Jenks, who has lost his battle against adenocarcinoma, a form of stomach cancer, at the age of just 44.
Jenks’ passing was announced on social media by the MLB team, who revealed the 2005 World Series champion had died on Friday, July 4 in Sintra, located near Lisbon in Portugal.
Bobby will forever hold a special place in all our hearts 🤍 pic.twitter.com/CLNi7g0Tzh
— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) July 5, 2025
The White Sox also released a tribute video, featuring a number of Jenks’ former teammates, showcasing some of the pitcher’s finest moments with the franchise.
World Series champion and MLB All-Star
After an injury-hit spell with the Anaheim Angels, Jenks was claimed off of waivers by the White Sox for $20,000 in December 2004, aged only 23. He was called up for the major leagues the following July, and within three months was a World Series champion, pitching in each of the 2005 Series’ four games in the 4-0 win over the Houston Astros.
Success continued to follow in the immediate aftermath. In both 2006 and 2007 he was named to the MLB All-Star team, all the while equaling the league record of 41 consecutive batters retired. However, he began to lose form in 2009 and moved to the Boston Red Sox the following year, which proved to be his last in pro baseball.
Jenks’ MLB career ended by botched surgery
The pitcher ultimately retired from the sport as a result of surgery complications after having the bone spurs in his back removed. Jenks was left with a serrated edge in his back, which led to leaking spinal fluid, and an infection in his spine which eventually spread to his brain, almost killing him.
Jenks was bed-ridden for three months and with a spine so weak that further surgery was required to ensure he could live pain free, but without the possibility of returning to baseball.
Bobby Jenks’ family life
The Californian, who was married twice, is survived by second wife Eleni Tzitzivacos and four children, who he was estranged from.
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