Bobby Jenks is reportedly ‘in the final stages’ of his battle with stomach cancer in a heartbreaking update on his health, days after his 44th birthday.
Last month, the legendary Chicago White Sox pitcher – who also lost his home in the California fires – revealed he was fighting cancer but was determined to overcome it.
But now, a press release has emerged that he is doing an in-person signing to raise funds to cover medical bills that is expected to be his last public appearance. Jenks turned 44 on March 14.
The statement, shared by multiple White Sox fan accounts on social media, says: ‘As many of you may have heard, former White Sox closer Bobby Jenks not only lost his house in the recent Los Angeles fires, but he is now in the final stages of his battle with stomach cancer.
‘Bobby and his wife have agreed to do an in-person signing, with the hope of raising money to help cover medical expenses.
‘It is with great sadness to admit that, in all likelihood, this will be Bobby’s last signing.
Chicago White Sox hero Bobby Jenks is in the final stages of his battle with stomach cancer
‘Some of Bobby’s teammates and former coaches have agreed to join the fundraising effort and we will be adding them in the coming weeks. A signing with Darren Dreifort is already listed, and all profits from his signing will also be donated to the Jenks.’
Jenks shared his condition from a Portugal hospital bed in an interview with MLB.com in February.
‘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.
‘I’ll tell you one thing: I´m not going to die here in Portugal.’
Jenks helped the White Sox win the 2005 World Series, saving four games in six appearances during the postseason run.
He was an All-Star in each of the next two seasons while saving a total of 81 games in 2006 and 2007. Over the next three seasons, he averaged 28-plus saves a year.
He retired 41 consecutive batters in 2007, matching a record for a reliever.
Jenks saved 173 games for the White Sox over six seasons before finishing his career with 19 appearances in 2011 with the Boston Red Sox.
The White Sox have been contacted for comment.
