ESPN is under fire for making a major error in an obituary post.
Former Chicago White Sox pitcher Bobby Jenks died on Friday, and he was honored by many sports publications for his World Series impact.
Former White Sox pitcher Bobby Jenks died on Friday[/caption]
Many were unhappy with how ESPN described Jenks in his obituary[/caption]
Jenks notably closed out the final inning of the 2005 World Series against the Houston Astros, but ESPN seemingly had no idea he did so.
Instead of highlighting that career moment, ESPN instead labeled 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.”
While ESPN’s article on Jenks’ death did mention his role on the World Series-winning team, it was nowhere to be found on social media.
That omission garnered a huge amount of criticism from fans and former players.
“He did a whole lot more than just be on the roster!” teammate AJ Pierzynski posted.
“He closed out the World Series!!”
“ESPN should be ashamed and embarrassed for writing something like this!” MLB veteran Doug Mientkiewicz posted.
“‘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.”
“This company has fallen so far. So far,” former White Sox player Brandon McCarthy said.
On Sunday, ESPN highlighted Jenks’ importance to the White Sox by reposting a tribute video from the team.
“Bobby Jenks began the 2005 World Series with a save and ended it with one, helping propel the White Sox to their first title in 88 years,” ESPN wrote in their post.
“The team paid tribute with a moving video remembrance of Jenks, who died Friday at 44.”
MLB All-Star Game Starters 2025
Here are the All-Star teams for the American League and National League at the Midsummer Classic on July 15 at Atlanta’s Truist Park, voted on by the fans.
American League Starters
- Catcher: Cal Raleigh, Seattle Mariners
- First base: Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Toronto Blue Jays
- Second base: Gleyber Torres, Detroit Tigers
- Third base: José Ramírez, Cleveland Guardians
- Shortstop: Jacob Wilson, The Athletics
- Outfield: Aaron Judge, New York Yankees
- Outfield: Javier Báez, Tigers
- Outfield: Riley Greene, Tigers
- Designated hitter: Ryan O’Hearn, Baltimore Orioles
National League Starters
- Catcher: Will Smith, Los Angeles Dodgers
- First base: Freddie Freeman, Dodgers
- Second base: Ketel Marte, Arizona Diamondbacks
- Third base: Manny Machado, San Diego Padres
- Shortstop: Francisco Lindor, New York Mets
- Outfield: Ronald Acuña Jr., Atlanta Braves
- Outfield: Pete Crow-Armstrong, Chicago Cubs
- Outfield: Kyle Tucker, Cubs
- Designated hitter: Shohei Ohtani, Dodgers
The correction wasn’t good enough for fans though, and many called out the network on social media.
“It’s too late for ESPN to walk back the ‘on the roster’ tweet tbh,” one fan said.
“Waited until broadcast time to even attempt correction/update. Baseball will be better when not on @espn,” another fan said.
“It took y’all a day to walk back the tweet. You get no credit,” a third fan said.
“Lmao got bullied into posting this after that garbage headline,” a fourth fan said.
