Former MLB pitcher Bobby Jenks faces his toughest battle yet: stage 4 stomach cancer.
At a Glance
- Bobby Jenks, former White Sox and Red Sox pitcher, is battling stomach cancer
- Currently hospitalized in Portugal, Jenks remains optimistic about recovery
- The 43-year-old two-time All-Star plans to return as manager of the Windy City Thunderbolts
- Jenks was instrumental in the White Sox’s 2005 World Series victory
- The baseball community, including the White Sox, have rallied in support
From World Series Champion to Cancer Fighter
Bobby Jenks, the former flamethrower who once closed out a World Series for the Chicago White Sox, is now facing a battle far more daunting than any ninth inning he ever pitched. The 43-year-old is currently hospitalized in Portugal, fighting stomach cancer with the same tenacity he brought to the mound. It’s a curveball life has thrown at him, but Jenks isn’t about to let it strike him out.
In true Jenks fashion, he’s approaching this fight with the bulldog mentality that made him one of the most feared closers in the game. “Now it’s time to do what I got to do to get myself better and get myself more time, however you want to look at it,” Jenks declared. “I’ll tell you one thing: I’m not going to die here in Portugal.” That’s the kind of determination that retires 41 consecutive batters and racks up 173 saves in a career.
We support Bobby Jenks as he battles cancer.
Jenks isn't expected to be here for the start of the season but he has this message for the fans: “I want them to know I’m doing well and send their prayers and go down to Windy City and root for those boys.”https://t.co/TKDlKRJBgx
— Windy City ThunderBolts (@WCThunderBolts) February 15, 2025
A Career Cut Short, A New Chapter Begins
Jenks’ MLB career, while brilliant, was all too brief. A two-time All-Star, he was a key piece of the White Sox’s 2005 World Series championship team in his rookie season. His 100 mph fastball and devastating curveball made him a force to be reckoned with, compiling a 3.40 ERA and those 173 saves in 329 games with the South Siders. After a final season with the Red Sox, Jenks hung up his cleats, but baseball wasn’t done with him yet.
Now, as the manager of the Windy City Thunderbolts in the Frontier League, Jenks has found a new way to contribute to the game he loves. It’s a role he’s determined to return to, cancer be damned. This isn’t just about baseball anymore; it’s about showing the same grit and determination off the field that he showed on it.
The Baseball Community Rallies
In times like these, the baseball community shows its true colors. The Chicago White Sox, the team Jenks helped lead to a World Series title, have taken to social media to express their support. “We stand with you, Bobby Jenks,” they declared, a sentiment echoed by fans and fellow players alike. It’s a reminder that in baseball, as in life, we’re all on the same team when it counts.
“I’ll tell you one thing: I’m not going to die here in Portugal." I spoke this morning with Bobby Jenks, who is battling Stage 4 stomach cancer, being treated at a hospital in Portugal. Here's the former White Sox closer's story, with a message: https://t.co/fzquSZCYHk
— Scott Merkin (@scottmerkin) February 15, 2025
As Jenks fights this battle, he’s not just fighting for himself. He’s fighting for every fan who cheered him on, every teammate who stood beside him, and every aspiring player he now mentors. His journey from World Series champion to cancer fighter is a stark reminder of life’s unpredictability, but also of the indomitable human spirit.
In an era where professional sports often seem detached from reality, Jenks’ struggle brings a sobering perspective. It reminds us that behind the statistics and highlights are real people facing real challenges. As he faces this opponent, tougher than any batter he ever stared down, Jenks carries with him the hopes and prayers of the entire baseball world. And if his career is any indication, don’t bet against him coming out on top.
