Most ML Teams Retire the Uniform Number of a player automatically when he is inducted into the Hall of Fame. Ferguson "Fergie" Jenkins was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1991, yet a team that he played with for more then half of his career, did not follow the tradition and Retire his Uniform Number. Why???
The Team in question is the Chicago Cubs. Jenkins played 10 of his 19 ML seasons in the "Windy City" and while wearing the Cubs uniform, recorded 167 of his 284 career victories. He became the second Cubs Pitcher in the 20th Century to lead the League in Strike-Outs with 273Ks in 1969, which far exceeded the 205 Ks of former Cubs Pitcher Orval Overall in 1909. In his first full year with the Cubs he finished 2nd in balloting for the Cy Young Award and several years later in 1971 the 6Ft 5 Inch Canadian born Pitcher, was wearing a Cubs Uniform when he won the Cy Young Award. Among his other accomplishments while pitching for the Cubs was, six consecutive years 1967-72, in which he won 20 or more games. In 1971, he led the League in Wins with 24.
At the present time there are only two Players who have their Numbers Retired by the Cubs, #14 Ernie Banks, SS and #26 Billy Williams, OF. Both of them are HOFers and deserving of the privilege of having their numbers Retired. In the not to distance future, #21 Sammy Sosa and #23 Ryne Sandberg will have their Numbers Retired. However, it is time to honor a fine Pitcher who played at Wrigley Field for ten years and left the Cubs Fans with many fond moments.
Ferguson "Fergie" Jenkins is now in the Hall of Fame, proudly wearing a Cap with the letter "C" on it. I think it is time for the Chicago Cubs to consider Retiring # 31… the sooner the better.
» Jim Keats is a recreational writer who loves basball.
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Posted September 1, 2003.
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