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Windy City ThunderBolts field manager Bobby Jenks is taking an indefinite leave of absence as he undergoes treatment for stage 4 stomach cancer.
Jenks, 43, received the diagnosis during the offseason while finalizing the ThunderBolts’ 2025 spring training roster. He is currently in Portugal, where he moved with his family, undergoing treatment.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Bobby and his family during these incredibly difficult times,” ThunderBolts general manager Mike VerSchave said. “Bobby could not wait for his second season to get going, and we will miss his smile and always positive attitude at the ballpark this summer. I know he will be watching the roster he constructed very closely from abroad as he battles this terrible disease.”
Scott Merkin of MLB.com interviewed Jenks, who revealed the first sign of his health issues began with deep vein thrombosis in October, leading to multiple blood clots and, eventually, the discovery of a tumor that has spread throughout his body.
Jenks, who has six children, also reportedly lost his California home and baseball memorabilia in the recent wildfires. Only his World Series Ring survived, according to MLB.com
Jenks, who led the ThunderBolts during the 2024 season, has stated his intention to return to the dugout as soon as his health allows, team officials said.
In Jenks absence, bench coach Toby Hall will take over as interim manager. Hall, a former major league catcher, played nine seasons in the big leagues, most notably with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, where he holds the franchise record for most games caught. He was also teammates with Jenks on the Chicago White Sox from 2007 to 2008.
Hall previously served as Jenks’ bench coach for the Grand Junction Rockies during their 2022 Pioneer League championship season. His new role as interim manager will be his first official duty with the ThunderBolts after being hired by Jenks as bench coach for the 2025 season.
Jenks and Hall have remained in close contact throughout the offseason, discussing final roster decisions and team preparations.
“I’ve known Toby for many years and would not have hired him as my bench coach if he wasn’t completely qualified to run the show in the first place,” Jenks said. He added with a touch of humor, “He needs to remember that there is still a big letter ‘I’ at the beginning of his new title!”
“I” as in interim.
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