Fergie Jenkins and Baseball

Because of the pandemic, this was a very unusual baseball season. Despite the problems, it was great having baseball finally being played to help take our minds off of other things.

Fergie Jenkins was one of the first big names I remember being traded from the Chicago Cubs. As an eight year old, I didn't understand why the Cubs would trade a pitcher who won so many games for the team.

Of course, now I know money was a huge part of the deal, but I still doesn't make baseball sense. The Cubs of the 70s didn't make much baseball sense though.

Fergie went on to win 135 games over the next ten seasons. He eventually returned to the Cubs and won 20 games over his final two seasons. He finished at 284-226 and was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1991.

I have had the pleasure of meeting Fergie several times, mostly due to my friend Steve Gassman of Autograph1. I've spent fun times with Fergie and Steve at autograph signings and book releases.

Fergie is one of the athletes featured in Champions: 15 Inspiring Comeback Stories from Sports & Life written by my other friend George Castle. Fergie has had quite a life and has overcome several obstacles.

More recently, Fergie and George teamed up to write The 1969 Cubs: Long Remembered - Not Forgotten. Fergie and George do a fantastic job in giving sports details and personal reflections from Fergie and many teammates. I was too young really watch the '69 Cubs and this book gives me the chance to experience the good and bad of that season.

Fergie is a class act and a great ambassador to the Cubs and baseball. I'm sure he enjoyed the return of baseball even more than I am. Hopefully baseball will return to normal next season and Fergie, George, Steve and I will all be happier!

Fergie Jenkins and me in Milwaukee, WI-November 2017.

Fergie Jenkins at Wrigleyville Sports

All weekend, I am ensconced in pop culture insanity at C2E2, but I will take a break Sunday midafternoon for a special event. Chicago Cubs Hall of Famer Fergie Jenkins will be making an appearance at Wrigleyville Sports, conveniently just a few miles north of C2E2. Wrigleyville Sports, at 959 West Addison Street (just across from Wrigley Field), is hosting Fergie's appearance, which is courtesy of AUTOGRAPH1, from 1 pm to 3 pm. I previewed this Fergie appearance on the Patch at Fergie Jenkins Is Coming to Wrigleyville. 

Fergie was in the middle of his historic 6 consecutive 20 win seasons when I got interested in baseball. Still in his early 20's you knew Fergie was on a path to the Hall of Fame. During those years, the Cubs had great pitchers like Ken Holtzman and Milt Pappas and young future stars like Burt Hooton, Rick Reuschel, and Larry Gura, but Fergie was always the ace.

Then the unthinkable happened and he was traded to the Texas Rangers. I remember seeing his hatless 1974 Topps baseball card (a common thing for players traded in the offseason). Even worse was actually seeing him in a Rangers uniform on his 1975 card. Fergie was always supposed to be in Cubs' blue.

Fergie would spend two seasons with the Rangers, followed by two seasons with the Boston Red Sox, before returning to the Rangers for four more seasons. By then, Fergie had a record of 264 and 202. Clearly a lock for the Hall of Fame, the free agent Fergie chose to end his career with the Cubs.

Fergie pitched two more seasons, contributing 20 wins, while helping the Cubs through the Dallas Green transition, which led them to the 1983 NL championship series. He retired after the 1983 season.

Back in my childhood days, a player appearance was a rare thing. Fans were lucky if we could get a quick autograph at the game. Pictures with the players were not even possible in the age prior to selfies. I would never have dreamed of meeting Fergie, let alone talking to him and getting a picture with him.

Fortunately, times and technology have changed. Thanks to athletes like Fergie and businesses like Wrigleyville Sports and AUTOGRAPH1, we can not only meet our favorites, we can spend a little time with them, hearing some fun baseball stories.

Believe me, Fergie has great stories. In addition to his own interesting career, he played with and against many Hall of Fame players and other fun characters. Despite having met Fergie several times already, I still hear new stories every time.

Adding to the fun, Fergie isn't coming alone. Also appearing is Marla McKenna, author of Mom's Big Catch, a wonderful children's book and a great collectible for older Cubs fans. Marla has her own fun stories to share.

For me, there is one more reason to catch this event. My longtime friend Steve Gassman is Fergie's Personal Assistant and we will do a bit of catching up there. It's always great seeing Steve.

I have previously attended appearances at Wrigleyville Sports and their events are always very well run. They always have plenty of merchandise for sale to be signed by the celebrity guest. I am really looking forward to seeing Fergie, Marla, Steve and hopefully many of my other friends, too.

 

Fergie Jenkins and me in Chicago, IL-February 2018.

On the Beat With Fergie Jenkins at PopCon Milwaukee 2017

I was already on board with covering PopCon Milwaukee, when I found out there was going to be a major announcement from Hall of Fame pitcher Fergie Jenkins.  Fergie's Personal Assistant (also my longtime friend) Steve Gassman alerted me to the Saturday announcement and I made sure to be there to get the first interview with Fergie after the announcement.

As you will hear in the interview below, Team Fergie is producing a book featuring Fergie's inside stories book about the 1969 Chicago Cubs set for a 2019 release.  Along with Steve, Team Fergie is comprised of Fergie, Publisher (and another longtime friend) John Schenk, Author (and another longtime friend) George Castle and artist John Hanley.  It's an excellent team and I am happy to be associated with these fine folks.

This book is going to be awesome.  John knows what makes an interesting book.  George is very talented and one of the most knowledgeable sports writer I have ever seen.  Fergie is loaded with great memories and funny stories.  Steve's organization and coordination skills will keep everything running smoothly, with proper media updates released.  John H's artist creativity will provide beautiful illustrations.

John and Steve have promised to keep me updated, so I can continue to report on the book's progress.  Of course, with these folks, that probably also means a few new projects and certainly fun and surprises along the way.  Johngy's Beat will continue to provide recurring coverage of Fergie's book.  You can also check Fergie's Facebook page for updates and info.

Thank you to PopCon Milwauke for their hospitality.  This convention will become a regular staple on my yearly calendar.  Thank you, too, to Team Fergie for their time and consideration.  I value your friendships and I appreciate and enjoy you all!

Congrats to the Phillies

The Philadelphia Phillies are the 2008 World Series champions. My colleagues at GT World Headquarters in Yardley, PA are very happy. I'd say we are disappointed in Chicago, but we really aren't. After 100 years of futility, can we realistically expect anything from the Cubs?
In honor of the Phils, I found this shot of Fergie Jenkins, who was originally signed by them. Much is made of the many bad moves by the Cubs over the years (and they have made many), but people often forget the trade that brought Jenkins to the north side. Jenkins went on to win 20 games for 6 straight seasons in Chicago. After stints in Texas and Boston, Jenkins finished his career back with the Cubs, just missing their 1984 playoff run.

Fergie Jenkins and me at AU Sports in Skokie, IL-Summer 2005.