MLB All-Star Bobby Jenks Dies at 44. Who are His Wife and Family?
Former pitcher for the Chicago White Sox and Boston Red Sox Bobby Jenks, 44, died July 4, 2025, leaving behind a wife and four children, whom he fathered with his first wife.
The White Sox a day after his death announced Jenks died in Sintra, Portugal, of adenocarcinoma, a form of cancer that spread in his stomach.
Jenks was married to Eleni Tzitzivacos, actress, model and founder of several small businesses, according to her Instagram page.
She played the role of ice cream shop customer in the sci-fi comedy drama Emmageddon in 2020, and founded Moosa Jewels as well as Mia Anasa Retreats.
Jenks and Tzitzivacos had two children together, Zeno and Kate, according to the Associated Press.
Jenks also left behind four children he had during his first marriage, Cuma, Nolan, Rylan and Jackson. His was first married to Adele Romkee.
The White Sox team on its X page posted a video in remembrance of California native with the caption, "Bobby will forever hold a special place in all our hearts."
"I mean, everyone knows and loves Bobby," Rick Hahn, former assistant general manager of the team, said. "And what he did was remarkable. He deserves his place among the icons of this franchise's history."
Jenks pitched for the White Sox 2005-2010 before signing a two-year contract with the Boston Red Sox, whom he was only able to play 19 games with before being diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism that sidelined him.
He also helped the White Sox win the World-Series in 2005, making the series' final pitch to beat the Houston Astros. In 2006, Jenks was selected for the American League All-Star team, and then again in 2007.
He ended his MLB career on July 7, 2011 with 351 strikeouts and 173 saves.
Jenks also gave a statement in the White Sox' video.
"You play for the love of the game, the joy of it; It's what I love to do," he said. "I'm playing to be a world champion. And that's what I wanted to do from the time I could pick up a baseball."
Related: Beloved MLB Pitcher's Cause of Death Released After He Dies at 44