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The larger-than-life personality of Bobby Jenks has been a part of MLB for almost seven years now. The highlight of his career? His 102 mph fastball in 2005 as a rookie awed audiences. And his final pitch caused Houston’s Orlando Palmeiro to ground out, ending the World Series sweep.
The White Sox’s 2005 WS win – how can fans forget that? As he fights a bigger battle now, we cannot hold ourselves back from reminiscing his days! While his family lost their home to the California fires, Jenks is battling cancer. The ex-White Sox All-Star is undergoing treatment for Stage 4 adenocarcinoma, a form of stomach cancer.
From his hospital bed in Portugal, Bobby Jenks gave an interview to MLB.com, sharing a glimpse of his tough battle. Jenks exclaimed that while he would not have predicted cancer, the news wasn’t a surprise either. He admitted putting his body through a lot of junk in his 20’s and eventually something or the other had to happen.
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“I’m grateful to be alive,” he said.
We stand with you, Bobby Jenks.
Thinking of Bobby as he is being treated for Stage 4 adenocarcinoma, a form of stomach cancer. https://t.co/47VIPnIq7V pic.twitter.com/jH4R9KN4cx
— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) February 15, 2025
After the initial shock of the diagnosis wore off, Bobby Jenks wasted no time in shifting gears. The father of six’s competitive spirit is now driving him in an entirely new direction: Wellness and healing. “Now it’s time to do what I gotta do to get myself better and get myself more time, however, you want to look at it,” Jenks said with the same determination that once helped him close out a World Series.
Melancholy is surrounding social media with this news with comments pouring in from fans.
Fans react to hearing about Bobby Jenks’ cancer news
“We stand with you,” the White Sox made a post on X today. And now fans are showing their support and wishing for the pitcher to recover soon.
Fight on Bobby, don’t ever give up!
— Dean Sever (@blues1967) February 16, 2025
The outpouring of love for Bobby Jenks speaks volumes about his impact on the White Sox and their fans. His legendary presence, both on and off the field, has left an indelible mark, and it’s clear that fans aren’t just rallying behind a former player—they’re rallying behind a man who gave his all for his team and the city.
Stay strong Bobby!!
— Lights Out (@dlamon3) February 15, 2025
A reflection of Jenks’ tenacity throughout his career. He was a fighter, and fans are simply echoing that same unbreakable spirit, urging him to stay determined in this new battle.
Could not care less about White Sox baseball recently, but when Bobby Jenks needs our support, we rally 🙏🏽🤍
— ✶ ✶ Hector ✶ ✶ (@Hectahhh19) February 15, 2025
Jenks shares a beautiful connection with his fans. It’s not just about baseball—it’s about the man himself. His radiant personality and his pivotal role in the White Sox’s World Series championship made him unforgettable. So, when one of their own needs support, fans of all stripes are ready to stand by him, no matter how much time has passed since his final pitch.
It’s heartbreaking to hear this. Bobby Jenks will always be a White Sox legend, and he has endured a lot. Prayers that Bobby fights through this.
🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻— Southside Girl (@SouthsideGirl5) February 15, 2025
This sentiment touches on how deeply Jenks’ career has resonated with fans. Beyond the wins and losses, it’s the emotional investment that fans have in him as a person. Jenks has been struggling with several symptoms since October last year when a deep vein thrombosis in his right calf was diagnosed. His career and his positivity during these tough times have made him a symbol of resilience and strength. Fans are showing the same passion with prayers and hope for his recovery.
Oh damn! God bless, Bobby. He was amazing for the Sox – Ibwas jealous, as a Cubs fan.
— LITizen Jeff 🇺🇲🚜👨👩👧👦🥋 (@LITizenJeff) February 16, 2025
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Of course, who is not aware of the baseball war between the White Sox and the Cubs since 1900? While the Chicago White Sox finished 1st (99-63-0) in AL Central, the Chicago Cubs ranked 4th in NL Central in 2005 – apparently one of the best years for the Sox. Jenks presence did make the difference and obviously the rival’s fans felt green! But none of it mattered when his health news reached the Cubs fans – all they want Jenks to get well soon!
a man bigger than life who was made to thrive in the biggest moments .. cancer has NOTHING on him 🙏🏻
get better soon Bobby
— Rob Hill (@radiorobszn) February 15, 2025
Fans did not forget to sum up how Jenks was always built to rise to the occasion. Whether throwing fastballs over 100 mph or closing out a World Series, he thrived in pressure situations. His reputation for dominating in big moments has carried over into this new page of his life, where fans believe his vigor and heart will once again shine through, helping him face off cancer with the same grit he brought to the mound.
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Fans are standing behind him, not just for the baseball legend he was, but for the man he’s proven to be—someone who never backs down!
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