Chatham’s own Fergie Jenkins, who is Canada’s most celebrated professional MLB pitcher and one of only two Canadians in the MLB Hall of Fame, will be honoured with a Statue Dedication Ceremony at the Chatham-Kent Civic Centre, with a replica of the statue dedicated to Jenkins in Chicago at Wrigley Field in 2022.
“When you look at Fergie’s accomplishments in baseball it is simply amazing,” said Darrin Canniff, Mayor of the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, in a press release.
“And the way Fergie has carried himself after his baseball career, is equally impressive.”
Jenkins played professional baseball from 1965-1983, during that time he was the first Canadian to win the Cy Young award.
A premiere pitcher of his era, Jenkins was a National League All-Star for three seasons, and finished his career with a record 284 game wins and 3,192 strikeouts.
“FirstOntario is proud to be part of the Chatham community and is excited to join the celebration and play a part in recognizing baseball hero and legend Fergie Jenkins,” says Lloyd Smith, CEO, FirstOntario Credit Union, in a media release.
“We look forward to continuing to grow the credit union difference throughout the Chatham-Kent region and are committed to supporting our members’ financial health and the community.”
The Statue Dedication Ceremony will begin at 1:45 p.m. on Saturday, June 10, 2023, in front of the Chatham-Kent Civic Centre, located at 315 King Street West in Chatham.
This event is open to the public and everyone is welcome to attend.
A family-friendly after party will be held at Sons of Kent Brewing Co. located at 27 Adelaide Street South in Chatham, featuring the FirstOntario – Family Fun Zone, where the first 300 children will receive a complimentary Rawlings® Chicago Cubs baseball, hot dog, and beverage.
For additional information please visit www.letstalkchatham-kent.ca/fergie-jenkins-statue-unveiling.
