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Bobby Jenks
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Chicago White Sox — No. 45 | |
| Closing Pitcher | |
| Bats: Right | Throws: Right |
| Major League Baseball debut | |
|---|---|
| July 6, 2005 for the Chicago White Sox | |
| Selected MLB statistics (through September 29, 2006) |
|
| Innings pitched | 109 |
| K's | 130 |
| ERA | 3.55 |
| Saves | 47 |
| Former teams | |
| Chicago White Sox (2005- 2006) | |
Robert "Bobby" Scott Jenks (b. March 14, 1981 in Mission Hills, California) is a Major League Baseball relief pitcher for the Chicago White Sox who made his debut in 2005.
He is one of the hardest-throwing pitchers in baseball, with a fastball that routinely hits 100–101 mph. According to the Baseball Almanac, his fastest pitch was clocked at a "Ryanesque" 102 mph on August 27, 2005 at Safeco Field. He also has a slider that he throws in the mid-80s, and a hard, sharp-breaking curveball in the low-80s.
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Jenks never played on his high school team, because his grades were too poor.[1]
Drafted by the Anaheim Angels in 2000, in one minor league game, the pitching gun clocked his fastball at 103 mph.[2] But Jenks spent much of his time in the Angels organization on the disabled list because of elbow trouble.
He also had "off-field issues." He showed up for more than one game hung-over, and was once suspended for barroom brawling. In May 2002, according to published reports, he was suspended for repeatedly bringing beer on the Double A Arkansas team's bus, and was demoted to Single A.[3]
Jenks was designated for assignment by the Angels in December 2004.
The White Sox claimed him off waivers for $20,000, and sent him to AA Birmingham Barons. He was recalled by the White Sox in July of 2005, and has remained with the team ever since.
Jenks appeared in each game of the 2005 World Series, pitching a total of five innings, and making the series' final pitch. He recorded saves in Games 1 and 4, had a blown save in Game 2, and pitched scoreless 11th and 12th innings in the 14-inning Game 3. Jenks is the only rookie closer to earn a save in the clinching win of a World Series.
Throughout the 2005 MLB playoffs, a slogan was created by White Sox fans in Jenks' honor: "We don't have a curse, but we do have a Jenks", referring to the 1919 Black Sox scandal and the following 'curse' of 'Shoeless' Joe Jackson. He had a lot of success in 2006, converting 41 out of 45 save opportunities, with 80 strikeouts and 3-4 record.
Jenks is affectionately known as 'Big Bobby' or 'Big Bad Bobby Jenks' due to his large frame (6 foot 3 inches, 280 lbs). In all of major league baseball only C.C. Sabathia, Jonathan Broxton, Jason Giambi and Walter Young are listed at heavier weights.
- Bobby Jenks at ESPN.com
- Baseball-Reference.com - career statistics and analysis