Former MLB All-Star and World Series champion Bobby Jenks dies at 44
The White Sox said Jenks died Friday in Sintra, Portugal, where he was being treated for adenocarcinoma, a form of stomach cancer.
Jenks helped the White Sox win the 2005 World Series, saving four games in six appearances during the postseason. He was an All-Star in each of the next two seasons while saving 41 games in 2006 and 40 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.
Jenks saved 173 games for the White Sox from 2005-10 before finishing his career with 19 appearances in 2011 for the Boston Red Sox. For his career, he was 16-20 with a 3.53 ERA and 351 strikeouts in 348 appearances, all in relief.
'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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