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When compiling a list of the greatest pitchers to ever don a Chicago Cubs uniform, Ferguson Jenkins is undoubtedly near the top. The Kenosha Kingfish are proud to welcome the MLB Hall of Famer to historic Simmons Field on Sunday, June 29th. Jenkins will be signing autographs for fans beginning when gates open at 4:05pm, in addition to throwing out the ceremonial first pitch. Earlier in the day, he will lead the 2014 Walgreens Kenosha Civic Veterans Parade along with Kingfish manager and former MLB player Duffy Dyer.
Jenkins, considered to be amongst the best control pitchers of all-time, played 19 seasons in the big leagues. He is best known for his ten seasons spent in the friendly confines of Wrigley Field. The right hander’s career statistics are nothing short of staggering. Jenkins won 20 games in a season seven different times during his career on his way to compiling 284 wins total. He struck out 3192 batters while walking 997, making him the only pitcher in history to record more than 3000 K’s and less than 1000 BB’s. The Canadian native started 594 games during his 19 seasons, going the distance 267 times and recording a 3.34 ERA.
The three time All-Star had perhaps his best season in 1971 when he earned the NL Cy Young Award. That year Jenkins won 24 games on his way to registering a 2.77 ERA. He struck out 263 batters while incredibly walking just 37. The workhorse would lead the National League in wins (24), complete games (30), wins-above-replacement (12), and innings pitched (325).
Hanging up his cleats at the age of 40, Jenkins would instantly receive Hall of Fame consideration. The pitcher would eclipse the necessary 75% in his third try, receiving induction to baseball’s most elite club in 1991. Jenkins would become the first Canadian to be welcomed to Cooperstown, and chose to be admitted as a Cub. He will be forever remembered for his ability to locate pitches and change speeds at will.
The Kingfish game on Saturday, June 29th will also feature a King Elvis The First bobblehead giveaway as a part of “Public Safety Appreciation Night.” Start time for the affair with the Kalamazoo Growlers is slated for 5:05pm. Tickets are going fast for the evening, though availability does remain. Stop by the Kingfish Ticket Office, visit “Kingfishbaseball.com,” or give us a call at 262-653-0900 for more details.
