Bobby Jenks, former All-Star White Sox closer, dead at 44

Former White Sox closer and 2005 World Series champion Bobby Jenks died on Friday after a battle with cancer.

He was 44.

“We have lost an iconic member of the White Sox family today,” White Sox chairman Jerry Reinsdorf said in a statement. “None of us will ever forget that ninth inning of Game 4 in Houston, all that Bobby did for the 2005 World Series champions and for the entire Sox organization during his time in Chicago. He and his family knew cancer would be his toughest battle, and he will be missed as a husband, father, friend and teammate.

“He will forever hold a special place in all our hearts.”

Jenks was battling adenocarcinoma, a form of stomach cancer.

He was living in Portugal to be closer to his wife’s family.

Jenks played seven MLB seasons, the first six of which were with the White Sox before one season with the Red Sox.

He was a two-time All-Star — in 2006 and 2007.

As a rookie, he was part of the White Sox team that won the World Series, recording four saves with a 2.25 ERA in the postseason.

Two of those saves came in series-clinching wins — in Game 3 of the ALDS against the Red Sox and Game 4 of the World Series against the Astros.

He finished his career with 173 saves.

He is survived by his wife, Eleni, and six children.