World Series champion tears into ESPN over tragic death of former teammate Bobby Jenks at 44

Doug Mientkiewicz pulled no punches as he ripped into ESPN over a social media post about former teammate and White Sox legend Bobby Jenks.

It was revealed on Saturday that former World Series champion pitcher Jenks passed away at age 44 from a form of stomach cancer in Sintra, Portugal. 

Jenks is best known for his six years with the Chicago White Sox, winning the World Series in his rookie season of 2005.

However, in a post on X by ESPN, many fans - including Mientkiewicz - felt as though they understated his importance to the White Sox. 

The network described Jenks as 'a two-time All-Star pitcher for the Chicago White Sox, who was on the roster when the franchise won the 2005 World Series'.

In response, Mientkiewicz wrote: 'ESPN should be ashamed and embarrassed for writing something like this! “Was on the roster”? He was THE CLOSER on a championship winning team. 

'Do some research before you release something. Have some respect! RIP Bobby Jenks condolences to his family and teammates'.

Similarly to Mientkiewicz - who won the 2004 World Series with the Boston Red Sox - a number of fans responded to ESPN's post in frustration. 

'On the roster? He was the closer,' one disgruntled user wrote. 

Another said: '"On the roster" pathetic! He was elite for them! 

'HE WAS ON THE MOUND PITCHING FOR THE LAST OUT of that World Series!! What is this "who was on the roster" stuff??', another said.  

Jenks delivered the final pitch of the 2005 World Series that secured the Chicago White Sox their first championship in 88 years over the Houston Astros, who were in the National League at the time. 

Jenks was a two-time All-Star selection, making the extravaganza in both 2006 and 2007. 

He signed with the Red Sox for his final MLB season in 2011 and spent plenty of time in Boston on the disabled list, with his back injury and subsequent surgeries ending his career. 

Jenks' exact type of cancer was Adenocarcinoma, which 'starts in the glands that line your organs,' per the Cleveland Clinic. 

'We have lost an iconic member of the White Sox family today,' said White Sox chairman Jerry Reinsdorf via news release. '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.'

The White Sox also released a video about his career shortly after they announced his passing.  

The 106-second video featured comments from Jenks before his passing, as well as former White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen, and former teammates Paul Konerko and Aaron Rowand. 

Jenks still ranks second in White Sox history in saves (173), only behind Bobby Thigpen, who has 201.