Bobby Jenks, Clean and Sober

Clare called last night, and, yes, we were already in bed.  You don’t complain if you want your child to stay in touch, and we do.

Anyway, she called to tell me that ex-White Sox reliever Bobby Jenks was going to appear at Sox Fest in a couple of weeks.  Jenks came out of nowhere (actually, Double-A Birmingham) late in the 2005 season to post six saves, with another two in the World Series, including the series winner.  After that, it was a rollercoaster five seasons.  Jenks was not immune to blowing a big save—though I’d take him in his prime over Addison Reed—or complaining to the press.  There was also talk of substance abuse.

When the White Sox let Jenks walk after the 2010 season, he signed with Boston, where he hurt his back.  Since then, there have been three surgeries, and addiction to pain medication and a stint in rehab.  Jenks says he’s been clean of drugs and alcohol for just about eighteen months, and I hope he can stay that way.  He’s also planning a comeback, which will definitely challenge his sobriety.

             There are personal demons for an athlete with addiction issues, and there are fans, especially those who will boo and tweet and post easy disdain at the first sign of failure, on or off the field.  We’re nothing without the quality of mercy.