Jenks closed out the White Sox's World Series win in 2005
The death of Bobby Jenks shocked the baseball world last week and emotions ran high on social media as ESPN caught some flak for its wording on a social media post about the late former closer.
Jenks, 44, died after a battle with stomach cancer. He was a two-time All-Star with the Chicago White Sox and was the anchor for the bullpen in 2005 during their magical postseason run, defeating the Houston Astros in the World Series. He had four saves in that postseason.
White Sox relief pitcher Bobby Jenks during the ninth inning against the New York Yankees at US Cellular Field in Chicago, Aug. 29, 2010. (Dennis Wierzbicki-USA Today Sports)
A social media post about Jenks described him as "being on the roster."
"Bobby Jenks, a two-time All-Star pitcher for the Chicago White Sox, who was on the roster when the franchise won the 2005 World Series, died on Friday in Sintra, Portugal, the team announced," the post on X read.
AARON JUDGE LEFT BLOODIED AFTER ANTHONY VOLPE'S ERRANT TOSS IN YANKEES' SIXTH STRAIGHT LOSS
Boston Red Sox reliever Bobby Jenks pitches against Los Angeles at Angel Stadium of Anaheim in California on April 21, 2010. (Gary A. Vasquez-USA Today Sports)
Former players like A.J. Pierzynski and Doug Mientkiewicz took issue with the post.
He did a whole lot more than just be on the roster! He closed out the World Series!! #RIPBobbyJenks #2005forever https://t.co/PkhUGr58AL
— A.J. Pierzynski (@ajpierzynski12) July 6, 2025
ESPN should be ashamed and embarrassed for writing something like this! “Was on the roster”? He was THE CLOSER on a championship winning team. Do some research before you release something. Have some respect! RIP Bobby Jenks condolences to his family and teammates https://t.co/fiaBJXK4Yi
— Doug Mientkiewicz (@DMEASrecruiting) July 6, 2025
This company has fallen so far. So far. https://t.co/qmJB9rqNhq
— Brandon McCarthy (@BMcCarthy32) July 6, 2025
Bobby Jenks deserves far more respect than the he “was on the roster” bullshit. Jenks was the closer for that World Series Championship team! 🙏❤️🙏❤️ https://t.co/OZjbgJ3v1m
— Sean Salisbury (@SeanUnfiltered) July 7, 2025
On the roster? He was the closer and an amazing one. His efforts were enormously important during the White Sox World Series run. They don't win it without him. ESPN has always disrespected the 2005 White Sox like they never existed. Do Better! https://t.co/mlTMZNINMG
— Chris Childers (@ChildersRadio) July 6, 2025
Fox News Digital reached out to ESPN for comment.
Jenks was a fifth-round pick in 2000 out of high school, made his MLB debut in 2005 and immediately burst onto the scene. In 32 games, he pitched to a 2.75 ERA and struck out 11.4 batters per nine.
Because of his rapid success, he earned the closer's role ahead of the postseason. He appeared in all four games of that Fall Classic and got the final out that snapped the Sox's 88-year championship drought.
Former White Sox pitcher Bobby Jenks is remembered before the game between the Cubs and the St. Louis Cardinals at Wrigley Field in Chicago, July 6, 2025. (Matt Marton-Imagn Images)
He retired after the 2011 season, spending six of his seven seasons in Chicago and the other with the Boston Red Sox.
Jenks finished his career with a 3.53 ERA and 351 strikeouts.
Fox News’ Ryan Morik contributed to this report.
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Ryan Gaydos is a senior editor for Fox News Digital.
