As the Chicago White Sox gear up for a weekend steeped in nostalgia and celebration, the city is abuzz with anticipation for the 20th reunion of the 2005 World Series champions. This milestone event not only honors a legendary team but also pays heartfelt tribute to the late Bobby Jenks, whose legacy continues to resonate throughout the franchise.
On Thursday night, the White Sox took a poignant step to honor Jenks by donning "45" patches on their uniforms during their game against the Cleveland Guardians. This gesture marks the debut of the tribute patches and will remain a fixture on their jerseys for the rest of the season. Jenks, a pivotal figure in the 2005 championship run, passed away on July 4, 2025, in Sintra, Portugal, where he was battling adenocarcinoma, a form of stomach cancer. He was just 44 years old.
Bobby Jenks' impact on the White Sox is indelible. As the team's closer during their historic 2005 postseason, he saved four games in six appearances, including the final out of Game 4 against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. That save clinched Chicago's first World Series title since 1917, ending an 88-year championship drought and etching Jenks' name into the annals of baseball history. His excellence extended beyond that season, as he earned two All-Star selections in 2006 and 2007, saving 41 and 40 games respectively.
The emotional weight of Jenks' passing adds a solemn yet inspiring layer to this weekend's festivities. Family members of Jenks are expected to be present, underscoring the deep connection between the team, its history, and the community. Additionally, the White Sox have installed a graphic honoring Jenks near the dugout, ensuring his memory remains a visible and enduring part of the ballpark experience.
The reunion weekend, taking place from July 11 to 13, 2025, at Rate Field, coincides with the final three games of the White Sox's four-game series against the Cleveland Guardians. The schedule is packed with events designed to celebrate the 2005 champions and engage fans in a meaningful commemoration of that remarkable season.
Friday's activities begin with a 2:10 p.m. game, followed by the unveiling of a statue honoring former ace Mark Buehrle at 6:45 p.m. on the right field concourse. Buehrle, a key contributor to the 2005 title run, will be immortalized in bronze, a fitting tribute to his enduring legacy with the franchise. The evening continues with a second game at 7:10 p.m. and culminates in a postgame fireworks display. Fans attending the first game will also receive a 2005 champs Hawaiian shirt giveaway, limited to the first 15,000 attendees, adding a festive touch to the proceedings.
Saturday's lineup features a 2:35 p.m. pregame reunion ceremony, bringing together a constellation of stars from the championship squad. An exclusive pregame patio party and photo event will offer fans a rare opportunity to interact with legends such as Mark Buehrle, Scott Podsednik, Ozzie Guillen, Freddy Garcia, A.J. Pierzynski, Jermaine Dye, Jon Garland, Paul Konerko, and Jose Contreras. This event promises to be a highlight for enthusiasts eager to connect with these iconic figures. Additionally, a Mark Buehrle replica statue giveaway will be available for the first 15,000 fans aged 21 and over, further commemorating the ace's contributions. The day concludes with a 3:10 p.m. game.
Sunday's festivities include ceremonial first pitches thrown by Mark Buehrle, Jon Garland, Freddy Garcia, and Jose Contreras, symbolizing the enduring bond these pitchers share with the club and its supporters. The first 10,000 fans will receive an ‘05 Hurlers bobblehead, a collectible that celebrates the pitching staff's pivotal role in the championship. The weekend wraps up with a 1:10 p.m. game, providing one last chance for fans to witness their heroes in action.
The reunion draws an impressive roster of attendees, featuring not only players but also coaches, broadcasters, and other key figures from the 2005 organization. Names like Brian Anderson, Harold Baines, Geoff Blum, Neal Cotts, Joe Crede, Carl Everett, Ken Harrelson, Dustin Hermanson, Orlando Hernandez, Tadahito Iguchi, Darrin Jackson, Damaso Marte, Hector Molina, Pablo Ozuna, Timo Perez, Cliff Politte, John Rooney, Herm Schneider, Allen Thomas, Juan Uribe, Luis Vizcaino, Greg Walker, and Chris Widger highlight the depth and breadth of talent and leadership that contributed to that historic season.
White Sox manager Will Venable expressed enthusiasm about the reunion's potential impact on the current team. "Definitely. Those guys are great when they're around, and I think it's the stories, the camaraderie they're seeing," Venable said. "A group of guys who have gone through what they have gone through and were able to win a championship together is always a great example, especially as a young group trying to find their own way as a club to ultimately achieve the same goal." His remarks underscore the significance of legacy and mentorship within the sport, highlighting how past triumphs can inspire future success.
The 2005 White Sox reunion weekend is more than a nostalgic look back; it's a vibrant celebration of resilience, teamwork, and the enduring spirit of baseball in Chicago. The tribute to Bobby Jenks adds a poignant dimension, reminding fans and players alike of the human stories behind the stats and the trophies. As the White Sox honor their past, they also energize their present and future, weaving the threads of history into the fabric of the game today.
With a packed schedule of games, ceremonies, giveaways, and special events, fans have ample opportunities to engage with the team and its storied history. The unveiling of Mark Buehrle's statue stands out as a landmark moment, cementing his place among the franchise's greats. Meanwhile, the presence of so many 2005 champions offers a rare glimpse into a golden era for the White Sox, one that continues to inspire and captivate the baseball world.
As the weekend unfolds, the city of Chicago and its baseball faithful will come together to celebrate a team that broke an 88-year drought and forged a legacy of championship excellence. The White Sox's tribute to Bobby Jenks and the reunion of the 2005 World Series champions encapsulate the enduring power of sports to unite, inspire, and honor those who have shaped its history.
