Esteemed pitcher Bobby Jenks, a distinguished two-time All-Star closer and revered World Series champion from his time with the Chicago White Sox, is currently undergoing treatment for stomach cancer. Jenks bravely disclosed his health condition from his hospital bed in Portugal during an interview with MLB.com last Saturday, prompting an outpouring of support and well wishes from his former team, the White Sox, who conveyed their solidarity through a heartfelt message on social media. “We stand with you, Bobby Jenks,” the team expressed in an Instagram post.
At 43 years old, Jenks remains resolute in his determination to overcome this health challenge and aims to recuperate sufficiently to resume his managerial duties for a second season with the minor league Windy City Thunderbolts based in Crestwood, Illinois. “Now it’s time to do what I have to do to improve my health and extend my time, however one chooses to perceive it,” Jenks conveyed to MLB.com during the interview. “I can assure you of one thing: I am not going to succumb to this illness here in Portugal.”
Jenks notably played a pivotal role in the White Sox’s triumphant 2005 World Series campaign, delivering standout performances by saving four games in six appearances during the memorable postseason run. Following this remarkable achievement, he earned All-Star selections in the subsequent two seasons while accumulating an impressive total of 81 saves during the 2006 and 2007 seasons. Throughout the ensuing three years, Jenks maintained a consistent record of securing 28-plus saves per season, showcasing his exceptional talent and reliability on the field.
An indelible moment in his career occurred in 2007 when Jenks set a remarkable record by retiring 41 consecutive batters, a feat that underscored his exceptional skill and resilience as a reliever. In total, Jenks amassed 173 saves for the White Sox over a successful six-season tenure before concluding his illustrious career with a brief stint comprising 19 appearances in 2011 with the Boston Red Sox.
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