Ex-All-Star Bobby Jenks Battles Stage 4 Stomach Cancer
Former Chicago White Sox closer Bobby Jenks, known for his blistering fastball and role in the team’s 2005 World Series victory, has revealed his battle with Stage 4 stomach cancer.
The Announcement and Hospitalization
On Saturday, Jenks, now 43, shared his diagnosis publicly. He is currently hospitalized in Portugal, where he recently relocated to be near his wife’s family. "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 told MLB.com in an emotional interview from his hospital bed. "I’ll tell you one thing: I’m not going to die here in Portugal."
The Initial Diagnosis and Progression
Jenks’s health concerns began late last year when he experienced blood clots in his calf and lungs. Subsequent tests revealed a tumor in his chest, which has since spread to his stomach lining, bones, hips, and lower back.
The Devastation of the California Wildfires
In a cruel twist of fate, Jenks also learned that his family home in Pacific Palisades, California, was destroyed by recent wildfires. While he still possesses his 2005 World Series ring, much of his baseball memorabilia, first-to-first, and other irreplaceable belongings were lost in the blaze. "I’ve got one suitcase left to my name," Jenks lamented. "It’s all gone. Everything else I’ve ever done. I have everything, first to first. All those things are irreplaceable."
Jenks’s Major League Career
Jenks made his MLB debut with the White Sox in the midst of their historic 2005 season. His blazing fastball, which regularly topped 100 mph, quickly earned him the team’s closer’s job in September. That postseason, he pitched to a remarkable 2.25 ERA with four saves, including in Game 1 and Game 4 of the World Series, where he retired Houston’s Orlando Palmeiro on a ground ball to clinch the sweep.
All-Star Accolades and Post-White Sox Career
Jenks was selected to the American League All-Star team in both 2006 and 2007, recording a pair of 40-save seasons. He remained with the White Sox until the end of the 2010 season, when he became a free agent. He played one final year with the Boston Red Sox before retiring.
Jenks’s Fighting Spirit
Despite the devastating diagnosis and personal losses, Jenks remains determined to fight his cancer. His family and friends have rallied around him, providing support and encouragement. "I’ve always been a very positive person," Jenks said. "I’m a fighter."
Outpouring of Support
The baseball community and fans worldwide have expressed their support for Jenks. Many have shared their own stories of facing adversity, offered prayers and practical assistance, and sent messages of encouragement.
Conclusion
Bobby Jenks’s battle with Stage 4 stomach cancer is a reminder of the fragility of life and the indomitable human spirit. His journey serves as an inspiration to all who face challenges, showing that even in the face of adversity, hope and determination can prevail. The outpouring of support from the baseball community and beyond is a testament to Jenks’s legacy as a fierce competitor on the field and a beloved figure off of it. As he fights for his life, we join his family and friends in sending our thoughts and prayers for his recovery.
