Episode IV: Baseball Hall of Famer Ferguson Jenkins - a podcast by wheretheyat

The 4th edition of Whe're They At features Baseball Hall of Famer, Ferguson 'Fergie' Jenkins. Fergie won the National League Cy Young Award (w/Chicago Cubs) in 1971 and won 20+ games for six consecutive seasons, amassing 284 wins over his illustrious career. He is one of four Major League pitchers to have over 3,000 career strikeouts with less than 1,000 walks. He went on to be inducted in the Hall of Fame in 1991, becoming the ONLY Canadian-born inductee. He had a short stint with the world famous basketball troupe, the Harlem Globetrotters as well. During his retirement, he has done outstanding work for his community through his Fergie Jenkins Foundation (http://www.fergiejenkins.ca/). Host Nabaté Isles had the honor to speak with Fergie on a multitude of topics including:       

03:03: On being a second generation baseball player and his parents' support growing up Chatham, Ontario, Canada.          

05:49: The mentorship he received as a budding baseball player and overall athlete.                    

07:38: On the harsh reality of playing minor league baseball in the South during the Civil Rights Movement.              

12:00: The fellow future Hall of Famers and/or All-Stars that he played winter ball with.                     

12:49: Fergie reflects on his memorable Major League debut.          

13:55: How the Philadelphia Phillies made a huge mistake trading him?            

16:13: On being managed by Hall of Famer Leo Durocher when Fergie joined the Chicago Cubs.            

18:49: 1968 was the 'Year of the Pitcher' but a somewhat unlucky season for Fergie with close losses.         

19:39: A funny story on how he took out his frustration.               

22:08: Winning the Cy Young Award in 1971 was bittersweet.         

23:43: Remembers his 'King of The Hill' documentary.          

24:38: On his time with the Harlem Globetrotters.           

26:52: Fergie could have made history after being traded to the Texas Rangers of the American League.           

28:17: He reunites with players he came up with during his minor league days with when traded to the Boston Red Sox.         

29:47: His tenacity coming back from tearing his Achilles tendon.          

30:51: Discusses the unfortunate incident that led to his arrest in 1980.       

32:31: Fergie's Hall of Fame induction was also bittersweet.          

33:36: How he dealt with more tragedy later in his life?          

35:55: On his meticulous approach to pitching.          

37:41: On the lack of innings being pitched by present starting pitchers compared to decades earlier.              

40:37: On the lack of Black Americans/Canadians currently in the Major Leagues.        

42:52: Why has baseball not gained popularity in Canada compared to basketball?            

43:33: His candid thoughts on the sign stealing scandal involving the Houston Astros.        

46:57: On his beloved Chicago Cubs finally winning the World Series in 2016.              

47:29: Can the Cubs get back to the playoffs in 2020?              

48:47: On if his favorite National Hockey League team, the Montreal Canadiens can make it to the 2020 Stanley Cup playoffs.          

50:01: Discusses the 'Black Aces' traveling exhibit by the Negro Leagues Museum.           

51:14: A fellow 'Black Ace', Dwight 'Doc' Gooden provides a greeting for Fergie.            

52:28: HIT AND RUN segment of random questions for Fergie.            

58:14: Did Mariano Rivera deserve to be the first Hall of Fame inductee to receive 100% of the vote?           

58:36: On his current endeavors involving his foundation.           

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Musical selections are from Nabaté Isles' album, 'Eclectic Excursions', available on iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, Amazon, Tidal, etc. Check out his website as well: www.nabateisles.com             

 

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