Ferguson Jenkins

Ferguson Arthur 'Fergie' Jenkins OC, born on December 13, 1942, is a distinguished Canadian former professional baseball pitcher and coach. His Major League Baseball (MLB) career spanned from 1965 to 1983, during which he played for several teams, including the Philadelphia Phillies, Chicago Cubs, Texas Rangers, and Boston Red Sox.

Jenkins is best known for his time with the Chicago Cubs, where he garnered significant accolades. He was selected as an All-Star in the National League (NL) for three seasons and made history in 1971 by becoming the first Canadian and Cubs pitcher to receive the prestigious Cy Young Award. Jenkins was a remarkable 20-game winner for seven seasons, achieving this milestone in six consecutive seasons with the Cubs. In 1971, he led the NL in wins, while in 1974, he topped the American League (AL) in the same category. Additionally, he led the NL in complete games in 1967, 1970, and 1971, and the AL in 1974. Jenkins also ranked among the NL leaders in strikeouts in 1969, ultimately amassing over 3,000 strikeouts throughout his career. His 284 career victories remain the highest for a Black pitcher in MLB history.

Beyond baseball, Jenkins showcased his athleticism by playing basketball for the Harlem Globetrotters during the off-seasons from 1967 to 1969. After his MLB career, he pitched for the London Majors in Canada. In 1991, Jenkins made history again by becoming the first Canadian inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame, a distinction he held until Larry Walker was elected in 2020.