Bobby Jenks’ Death at 44 Sparks Grief and ESPN Backlash Over 2005 World Series Tribute

The baseball world is reeling from the loss of Bobby Jenks, the former Chicago White Sox closer who died at 44 after a courageous fight with stomach cancer. Jenks, a two-time All-Star, was the heartbeat of the White Sox’s 2005 World Series triumph, sealing their first championship in 88 years with four saves in a dominant postseason. His passing in Sintra, Portugal, sparked an outpouring of grief, but ESPN’s social media tribute stirred controversy by describing Jenks as merely "on the roster" for that historic 2005 run.

Former teammates, including A.J. Pierzynski and Doug Mientkiewicz, didn’t hold back, slamming the post for downplaying Jenks’ pivotal role. The closer’s clutch performances in all four games of the Fall Classic defined his legacy, yet the wording struck a sour note. Jenks wasn’t just on the roster—he was the guy who slammed the door on the Houston Astros, delivering Chicago a long-awaited title.

Drafted in the fifth round in 2000, Jenks burst onto the MLB scene in 2005 with a 2.75 ERA and 11.4 strikeouts per nine innings. His meteoric rise earned him the closer’s role, and he never looked back, retiring in 2011 after six seasons with the White Sox and a stint with the Boston Red Sox. Jenks’ career 3.53 ERA and 351 strikeouts only hint at the fire he brought to the mound.

The backlash over ESPN’s post underscores how deeply Jenks was revered. In an era where sports tributes can feel formulaic, fans and players alike demand respect for a man who carried a city’s hopes. His story reminds us that behind every stat is a human who left a mark.