Fergie Jenkins Comes to Wrigleyville Sports

The Chicago Cubs home opener is Monday, April 8 at 1:20. The baseball fun doesn't have to end after the Cubs beat the Pittsburgh Pirates that afternoon. Following the game (or approximately 4:30 pm), Cubs Hall of Fame pitcher Ferguson Jenkins will be making an appearance at Wrigleyville Sports, across the street from Wrigley Field.

Originally signed as a free agent by the Philadelphia Phillies in 1962, Fergie went 2-1 in 8 games with the Phillies in 1965 and '66. Fergie was traded to the Cubs early in the '66 season and went 6-8 the rest of the way.

Things really came together for Fergie in 1967, as he won 20 games for the first time. He would go on to win at least 20 games in each of the next 5 seasons. In 1974, he was traded to Texas. He eventually was traded to Boston and then back to Texas, before rejoining the Cubs in 1982. Despite being near the end of his career, Fergie won a combined 20 games in the 1982 and '83 seasons, before retiring.

Fergie finished with a record of 284-226 with an ERA of 3.34. His 284 wins still ranks #29 all time in MLB history. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame and the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame. He is one of only three pitchers to have at least 3,000 strikeouts and less than 1,00 walks. I could make a list of all of his other achievements, but that would take too much space here.

As a fun side note, Fergie also played for the Harlem Globetrotters early in his career. It is said he did this to stay in shape, but I think it was another aspect of Fergie's competitive nature.

April 8 also is a significant date for Fergie. Fifty years ago on that date, he started the 1969 season against the Phillies. Fergie was just entering his prime at that time. Even seeing how good he was, I wonder if he envisioned the greatness he would achieve or the fandom he would have and maintain even to this day.

I have met Fergie several times and it is always fun. He is a class act and very open to discussing any part of baseball (and even his Globetrotter days) with the fans. He represents baseball and the Cubs very well.

Earlier this year, Fergie co-authored, along with my longtime friend George Castle, The 1969 Cubs: Long Remembered – Not Forgotten. Knowing George, I was privileged to hear about this book long before it was published. Chock full of interviews with former players, stories, pictures and more, the book lives up to its hype as the most personal, comprehensive look at the 1969 Cubs.

Those books, along with baseballs, cards, bobbleheads and more will be available for purchase at the signing appearance at Wrigleyville Sports. There will be plenty of things to buy for Fergie to sign or obviously, you can bring something of your own. I might even search the internet for a picture of Fergie with the Globetrotters just to add that interesting piece to my collection.

If you know me or follow my stories here on the Patch, you know I will be there to see Fergie again. Despite meeting him a few times already, I would never pass on the chance to hear a few more stories, get another picture and just simply have a good time talking baseball with everyone else in attendance. Hopefully, I'll see many of my friends there and make some new buds, too.

Early weather forecasts call for a sunny afternoon in the low 50s. What better way to cap off a Cubs victory than by spending time in a cool sports store with Cubs fans meeting a true baseball legend.