2005 World Series Champion with Chicago White Sox fighting stomach cancer, says 'I’m not going to die here....'

A former two-time All-Star closer and World Series champion with the Chicago White Sox, Bobby Jenks, is currently undergoing treatment for stomach cancer. The 43-year-old pitcher revealed his diagnosis in an emotional interview from a hospital bed in Portugal, where he is receiving care. The Chicago White Sox have since extended their support to Jenks, sending heartfelt well-wishes via social media.

I’m not going to die here in Portugal: Bobby Jenks

Jenks shared his journey of recovery with MLB.com, expressing a fierce determination to overcome his illness.

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, he said in the interview.

Despite the challenging circumstances, Jenks is resolute about his future, stating,

I’ll tell you one thing: I’m not going to die here in Portugal.

Jenks, who has a history of overcoming adversity, aims to make a full recovery and return to managing the Windy City Thunderbolts, a minor league team in Crestwood, Illinois. He is preparing for his second season as the team's manager. His tenacity and focus on his recovery signal his unwavering commitment to both his health and his future in baseball.

A storied career with the White Sox

Bobby Jenks is best remembered for his time with the Chicago White Sox, where he played a key role in the team’s success. Most notably, Jenks helped the White Sox secure the 2005 World Series title. He was instrumental during the postseason, saving four games in six appearances and providing crucial relief when it mattered most.

Jenks continued to shine in the following seasons, earning two All-Star selections in 2006 and 2007. He accumulated an impressive 81 saves over those two years and consistently performed at a high level, averaging 28 saves per season over the next three years. His dominant 2007 season included a remarkable streak of retiring 41 consecutive batters, which tied a record for a reliever.

Jenks spent six seasons with the White Sox, recording 173 saves and leaving a significant mark on the team’s history. He finished his career with the Boston Red Sox in 2011, making 19 appearances before retiring from the game.