CHICAGO – The White Sox and Chicago White Sox Charities (CWSC) announced today the launch of a special initiative, ‘Grinder Ball Rule #45,’ inviting fans to show support alongside 2005 World Series Champion Bobby Jenks in his fight against cancer. The initiative includes a T-Shirt sale that directs net proceeds to one of Jenks’ favorite local charities, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland & Northwest Indiana (RMHC-CNI).

The Jenks-inspired T-Shirt features a new addition to the memorable White Sox era of team rules, “Grinder Ball Rule #45: Fight like it’s the bottom of the 9th.” The T-Shirts are on-sale now for $30 at whitesox.com/jenks. Fans also have the option to purchase the T-Shirt with an additional donation to RMHC-CNI for $45 – a nod to Jenks’ White Sox number. Beginning tonight, a limited amount of T-Shirts are available for purchase at the ballpark’s Charities Corner in Section 154.

Net proceeds from the T-Shirt sale benefit RMHC-CNI and its mission to provide essential services that remove barriers, strengthen families and promote healing when children need healthcare. A cause close to the heart for the two-time All-Star, fan-favorite pitcher and father of six, the funds raised will provide critical housing and support services for families with children undergoing treatment for cancer and other serious illnesses and injuries.

“My family and I are so humbled by the response and support we have received,” said Jenks. “I want to turn this news into a positive and powerful source of support for families who are dealing with cancer too. During my time in Chicago, I visited Ronald McDonald House, and it means so much to me and my family to use my situation to help others who are also in the fight against cancer. My goal is to get back to Chicago this summer and spend time with my teammates, Ronald McDonald House families and White Sox fans.”

“Our entire organization stands with Bobby in this fight, in the same fierce spirit he took to the mound for us, his teammates and White Sox fans,” explains Christine O’Reilly, CWSC executive director. “Bobby pitched with relentless heart and edge, and now he’s channeling that same fire to lift up families in need. His courage is classic Grinder Ball, and it inspires us all.”

Over seven seasons with the White Sox and Red Sox, Jenks amassed 173 saves, helping lead Chicago to a historic World Series Championship in 2005 and earning All-Star selections in 2006 and 2007. Also in 2007, Jenks tied a major league record by retiring 41 consecutive batters. In 2024, Jenks completed his first season as the manager of the Windy City Thunderbolts in Crestwood, Illinois. Earlier this year, he was diagnosed with Stage 4 adenocarcinoma, and has been undergoing treatment in Portugal, where he is living this offseason with his family.

RMHC-CNI an independent not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Each night, the organization keeps 181 families close to the care and resources they need through six area Ronald McDonald Houses and four Ronald McDonald Family Rooms. Enabling families to stay close to their hospitalized child supports the health and well-being of the child and saves families more than $12 million in hotel and food costs each year. The Charity also operates the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile® program, providing medical care to children in underserved areas.

For more information about the “Grinder Ball Rule #45,” please visit whitesox.com/jenks.