Listen to Fox News Articles Now!
The baseball community was left reeling last week with the unexpected passing of Bobby Jenks, a beloved figure in the sport. The former closer, who was just 44 years old, lost his battle with stomach cancer, prompting an outpouring of emotions across social media. ESPN faced criticism for its phrasing in a post that mentioned Jenks, which some fans found insensitive.
Bobby Jenks was a two-time All-Star known for his pivotal role with the Chicago White Sox during their remarkable 2005 postseason run, where they triumphed over the Houston Astros in the World Series. He made a significant impact, securing four saves throughout that championship series.
The social media tribute from ESPN referred to Jenks as "being on the roster," which sparked backlash from former players like A.J. Pierzynski and Doug Mientkiewicz, who felt the wording didn’t do justice to Jenks’ legacy.
Jenks was drafted in the fifth round of the 2000 MLB Draft directly out of high school. He made his major league debut in 2005 and quickly made a name for himself, posting an impressive 2.75 ERA in just 32 games and striking out an average of 11.4 batters per nine innings. His rapid success earned him the closer position just in time for the postseason, where he played a crucial role in ending the White Sox’s 88-year championship drought by getting the final out in the 2005 World Series.
After a successful career that included six seasons with the White Sox and one with the Boston Red Sox, Jenks retired in 2011. Over his career, he recorded a 3.53 ERA and amassed 351 strikeouts.
For more updates and sports coverage, follow Fox News Digital on social media and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter. Ryan Gaydos serves as a senior editor for Fox News Digital.
