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Home , Bert Campaneris, Blue Moon Odom, CC Sabathia, Dave Hamilton (baseball), Ferguson Jenkins, Fernando Valenzuela

Volume 5, No. 1 April 2013

View from the Hill The Fergie Jenkins Foundation Newsletter

Fergie and the Cubs leave Hohokam on a high note

After 17 great years at Hohokam in Mesa, AZ, remarkable to see how many people travel from all the Cubs wrapped up their final corners of the continent, making the trip to to at the ballpark. catch a glimpse of the team’s And who could possibly be a current and former stars during better ambassador to help the Spring Training. And whether team close its final slate of or not fans are receiving their games at Hohokam than Fergie first or their twenty-first Fergie Jenkins? Jenkins autograph, the outcome remains the same: the creation Once again, the Fergie Jenkins of a lasting memory, a great Foundation maintained a story and the knowledge that constant presence at every Cubs they have helped make a Spring Training game difference in the lives of others, in 2013, raising money for a Fergie signs for a young Cubs fan at in Mesa, AZ. through the Fergie Jenkins of charities, including Cubs Care, JDRF, St. Mary’s Food Bank and Habitat for Foundation’s charitable Humanity. The Foundation’s autograph booth, back in its endeavors. Inside This Issue familiar location down the third-base line, welcomed the With 2013 in the books, likes of former Cubs , , , February Golf ...3 and Pete LaCock. Day after day, thousands the Cubs will now be turning of Cubs fans flocked to the Foundation’s booth to meet their attention to 2014 and S[pring Training ...3 the opening of their brand with their heroes for the last time at the team’s storied MLB Fan Fests ...5 ballpark. new $100-million 15,000 facility, which will also be Christmas Signing ...5 To Cubs faithful, these former players, along with in Mesa. The yet-to-be- Museum Updates ... 9 Fergie, have become staples at the stadium for the named stadium will feature past several years, signing autographs, taking pictures numerous adjacent practice Black History Event ...9 and sharing stories from their playing days. It is always fields and a developing

“Serving Humanitarian Need Through the Love of Sport” The Fergie Jenkins Foundation Swinging for the Who We Are

PROFILING THE CHARITIES Fergie Jenkins ...... Chairman Carl Kovacs ...... President WE ARE PROUD TO SUPPORT John Oddi ...... Executive Director

Board of Directors Jaff Stevenson Paul Cartwright Reid Strongman Kelly McGiffin Barry House David Schurman Rick Quirk Denise Stone Peter Warkentin

Elite Volunteers The Peoria Diamond Club is a non-profit organization, Stacy Arrowsmith Bill Loftus based in Peoria, AZ, whose focus is to redistribute revenues Dennis Coulson Sid Stern and donations to local youth groups and childrens’ Ben Craig Steve Swan programs. almost exclusively by volunteers, the Peoria Diamond Foundation Staff Club maintains an active prensence at all Padres Mike Treadgold and Mariners Spring Training games, leading Communications Coordinator gameday operations and other stadium activities. Editor-in-Chief The Fergie Jenkins Foundation is proud to continue to support the Peoria Diamond Club through our Cactus Rachel Pray League autograph fundraisers. Executive Assistant

Brett Varey Special Events Coordinator

Dexter McQueen Sport Management Coordinator

Kerrigan McNeill Public Relations Coordinator The Fergie Jenkins Foundation has enjoyed a multi-year (Assitant Editor) partnership with the Oakland A’s Community Fund, a relationship forged as a result of the Foundation’s Cactus Jillian Buttenham League fundraising at Phoenix Municipal Stadium, the Curator & of Public Outreach Spring Training home of the . Jessica Chase The A’s Community Fund supports charities in the Bay Curator & Manager of Education Area, specifically those affiliated with youth programs, Interns drug prevention and the underprivileged. With a mandate that focuses intently on investing in the future, the A’s Tyler Harrison Zack Schipper Community Fund shares many of the same values as the Sport Management Sport Management Fergie Jenkins Foundation. Noah Anderson Geoff Bassett Sport Management Public Relations

For more information Nick Butts Bryan Robinson Sport Management Sport Management Mail to: 67 Commerce Place - Suite 3, St.Catharines, ON, L2R 6P7 905-688-9418 • [email protected]

2 The Fergie Jenkins Celebrity Classic With a New Date and New Feel This past November the Foundation was forced we help raise funds for. to cancel the Fergie Jenkins Celebrity Golf Classic held Fergie was feel- in Phoneix, AZ due to scheduling conflicts. For many ing the effects of his of our American supporters it meant not having the career and was unable opportunity to take part in one of our most successful to make it out on the events of the year. But with every closed door comes course but did help two another opportunity. With the November tournament of our staff, Brett Varey put on the Foundation was able to schedule a and Kerrigan McNeill, similar tournament in February the following year. man the putting con-

The tournament in February coincided per- test. Fergie gave tips Celebrity Guests , Pete Lacock fectly with Cactus League Spring Training allowing and advice to golfers as and Willie Wilson take pictures with our many of our celebrity guests to attend since many of they tried to putt their them would already be in the Phoenix area. This year’s way to a prize at the end of the tournament. Rollie tournament took place at its old home, the Wigwam Fingers also sat out choosing to instead travel across Resort & Golf Club in Litchfield Park, AZ with a Celeb- the course taking photos with each group of golfers. rity Meet and Greet taking place at the Foundation’s The event proved to be a success and the home during the Spring, the Phoenix Airport Hamp- timing could not be any better. Moving ahead the ton Inn. Foundation will permanently move the Fergie Jenkins Celebrities such as Rollie Fingers, , Celebrity Golf Classic held In Phoenix from November Pee Wee Harrison, Pierre Pilote, Ron Wicks, , to February. Willie Wilson and many more came out to the event to once again support the Foundation and the charities A Spring Spent in Phoenix, Arizona Five baseball parks. Forty-two days and well month in Phoenix there were a few celebrity guests over fifty baseball games. That sums up how The Fer- who paid a visit over the course of Spring Train- gie Jenkins Foundation spent their spring, 2013. ing. Fergie and the Foundation were joined by such For nearly two months the staff of the Foundation and baseball greats as Rollie Fingers, Gaylord Perry, Bert a group of celebs made their home at the Phoenix Campaneris, Willie Wilson, Jody Davis, Jon Warden, Bill Airport Hampton Inn for most Buckner, Gaylord Perry, Jim “Mudcat” of February and all of March. Grant, Moon Odom, , Once again the Foundation was Lee Smith, Pete LaCock and more. dedicated to raising funds for Fans gathered at the Founda- various charities in the Phoenix tion booth at each ballpark in hopes area during Spring Training. of meeting some of their favourite Once again the Founda- baseball legends. Our celebrity tion set up shop at the spring guests were pleased to interact with training home fields of the their fans, sharing stories from their Oakland Athletics (Phoenix), the careers and signing items for fans all (Mesa), the San in support of charity. Francisco Giants (Scottsdale) the The Foundation once again had and Seattle a very successful spring raising a sig- Mariners (Peoria), and the Rangers and nificant amount for each of the charities we support City Royals (Surprise). Proceeds from the event once during spring training. We would like to thank all of again went to numerous charities represented by our celebrity guests, the Phoenix Airport Hampton Inn each team and stadium. and everyone who made it such a successful month. While Fergie and The Foundation spent all 3 FOUNDATION ROAD MAP WHERE WE’VE BEEN AND WHERE WE’RE GOING

December 2012 April 2013 December 15-18 • Fergie Jenkins Foundation April 8-11 • Chicago Cubs Opening Week Festivities Charity Autograph Signings feat. Pierre Pilote • • • Chicago, IL Sports ‘N’ More at Yorktown Center Mall • Lombard, April 19 • North Bay Sports Hall of Fame Banquet • IL North Bay, ON December 19 • Fergie Jenkins Foundation Charity Autograph Signing feat. Pierre Pilote • Peru Mall • Peru, IL May 2013 -5 • Sportcard & Memorabilia Expo feat. Gaylord Perry, , & Andre January 2013 Dawson • International Centre • Mississauga, ON -13 • Fan Fe stival • May 4-5 • Maple Leafs Baseball Banquet & Arlington Convention Centre • Arlington, TX First Pitch • Marriott by Toronto Airport & Christie January 12 • Scouts Pits • Toronto, ON Foundation Event • , CA May 8 • A night with Fergie Jenkins in support of January 18-20 • Chicago Cubs Convention • Cystic Fibrosis Canada • THE-MUSEUM • Kitchener, Sheraton Chicago • Chicago, IL ON January 19 • Awards Banquet • Oklahoma City, OK June 2013 January 25-27 • TwinsFest • H.H. June 3 • Jon Warden’s Charity Golf Classic • The Metrodome • , MN Oasis Golf & Country Club • Loveland, OH January 28- • Fantasy June 10 • Tony Fernandez Charity Golf Classic • Camp • Mesa, AZ Wooden Sticks Golf & CC • Uxbridge, ON June 11-12 • Scatcherd Charity Golf Classic • February 2013 Oakwood Inn Resort & Spa • Grand Bend, ON February 7 • York Area Sports Night • Heritage Hills June 14 • 20th Annual Fergie Jenkins Charity Classic Golf Resort & Conference Center • York, PA • Rockway Vineyards • St. Catharines, ON February 9 • Recognition by • June 27-30 • Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame • Toronto, ON Induction Weekend • St. Mary’s, ON February 15 • Peoria Diamond Club Night on the Diamond • • Peoria, AZ February 16-17 • Cactus League Kickoff Event • Remember when...? Scottsdale Civic Center Plaza • Scottsdale, AZ February 24-25 • The 7th Annual Fergie Jenkins In May 2009, right Celebrity Classic • The Wigwam • Litchfield Park, ZA after his #31 jer- sey was retired by the Chicago Cubs, March 2013 Fergie paid a March 1-28 • Fergie Jenkins Foundation Spring visit to the Training autograph fundraisers • Multiple Arizona Veteran’s Home locations to spend time with some brave Americans.

4 A Busy Beginning of the Year for Fergie and the Foundation

January is always a Rollie and the Foundation headed down to Minnesota busy time of year for the where they were joined by Jim “Mudcat” Grant and Foundation and Fergie. for Twins Fest. With three fan fests in Proceeds from all three events went to help the numerous three different states charities that the Foundation supports. Each event was (Cubs Fest, Rangers a success and Fergie and the Foundation can’t wait for Fest and Twins Fest) January to the road again for what promises to be a busy it seemed as though month. Fergie and his guests were always at a “home Fergie is joined by fellow Hall-of-Famers Rollie Fingers away” from home at the Fergie Fact and Gaylord Perry at Rangers Fest 2013. beginning of the new Did you know... year. Fergie and the Foundation were joined at all three events From 1967-1972, during Fergie’s string of six by fellow Hall-of-Famer Rollie Fingers. From January 12- straight 20-win seasons, he also completed more 14th the Foundation alongside Fergie and Rollie made their than 20 games in each of these six years. first stop in Texas for Rangers Fest and were joined by Hall- of-Famer Gaylord Perry. The following week the Foundation Since 2000, only and CC Sabathia took the truck down to Fergie’s second home away from have completed more than ten games in a home Chicago, for Cubs Fest. Fergie and Rollie were once season, and no since again joined by Gaylord Perry for the three day event in 1986 has completed more than 20 games in a starting on January 18th. single season. The three Hall-of-Famers were joined by appearances from Furthermore only (1972) and former Cubs such as , Lee Smith and Randy (1975) have completed more Hundley. Finally, during the last week of the month Fergie, than 30 games in a single season since Fergie accomplished this feat in 1971. When it comes to endurance and consistency, A Christmas Tradition for Fergie few in the last 50 years have done it better than Fergie Jenkins. and the Foundation Chicago baseball and hockey fans may have Once again the signing at Sports ‘N More was a found something special under the Christmas tree from great success and the Foundaton was able to make a The Fergie Jenkins Foundation this past Christmas. In donation to the JDRF just in time for the holidays. what has become a Christmas tradition, the Foundation Fergie and the Foundation would like to thank and Fergie traveled to Lombard, IL for an annual Christ- the owner and staff of Sports ‘N More for being as ac- mas charity autograph signing at the Yorktown Center commodating and welcoming as always. We hope to Mall. This year the Foundation and Fergie had a special return next year and hope to bring something unique guest as NHL Hall-of-Famer Pierre Pilote joined us at our to the table once again. booth and signed autographs for fans. The Foundation once again set up shop at the popular memorabilia store, Sports ‘N More, who have been hosts of the annual event for the past few years. Cubs and Blackhawks fans came out to the store to meet Fergie and Pierre. Proceeds from the event were once again direct- ed towards the Juvenile Research Foundation (JDRF). Whether it was the spirit of Christmas and giving or the excitement at seeing two living Chicago legends, fans crowded the store in hopes of getting to meet both Fergie and Pierre. Two Chicago legends, Fergie Jenkins and Pierre Pilote.

5

Photos of charity check presentations made by the Fergie Jenkins Foundation in Arizona

Fergie presents check to Mesa Hohokams Foundation. Fergie presents check to St. Mary’s Food Bank.

Fergie and Gaylord Perry present check to the Scottsdale Charos Foundation. Fergie presents a check to the JDRF.

Fergie presents a check to the Habitat for Humanity. Fergie presents check to the Peoria Diamond Club. 8 Curator’s Corner: Fergie Jenkins Museum Updates

What began as a dream of Fergie’s has been slowly can showcase more of Fergie’s collection of memorabilia, but surely taking shape over the last few years at the including over 300 signed , the award he received Foundation. In November of 2011 The Fergie Jenkins when he was inducted into the Canadian Baseball Hall of Foundation held an official grand opening of The Fergie Fame and never-before-seen photographs from his life Jenkins Museum. The Museum promised to be dedicated outside of baseball. to the life and career of Canada’s only Major League Moving forward, the staff of the museum will be working Baseball Hall of to complete the exhibits featured in the main gallery and Famer, while ensuring that our fall calendar includes school tours. While also showcasing there is still plenty to do, every day the Museum is a little artifacts from to completion. other prominent sports figures. Fast forward just over a year and the Foundation Fergie The welcomed two new staff, Jill and Jessica, as the Museum’s co-curators. The two would work over the next two months Globetrotter cataloging and arranging items that would be on display in the new museum. In February of 2013 the Foundation held a soft opening of an upper gallery dedicated to Fergie’s role in Black History. With the addition of the Fergie and Friends Black History gallery, the Museum has continued to take shape. New touch screens upstairs allow visitors to explore six scrapbooks compiled by Fergie’s father. These scrapbooks, through newspaper articles and photographs, provide a snapshot of Fergie’s life from his childhood in Chatham to his retirement from . Also, the arrival of display cases for our downstairs gallery means that we Fergie along with his old off-season team The Harlem Gloebtrotters at an event set up by our MUSEUM HOLDS OPENING OF curators Jill and Jess THE FERGIE AND FRIENDS BLACK HISTORY GALLERY On February 10th, Negro Leagues memorabilia, mementos from his friendships the Fergie Jenkins with other black athletes, and items from Fergie’s childhood. Museum hosted Event guests were welcomed by Fergie, our co-curators, a gathering of Jessica Chase and Jillian Buttenham, Niagara Black History media personnel, advocate Wilma Morrison, St. Catharines City Councillor politicians, Black Mat Siscoe and St. Catharines MPP Jim Bradley. These brief History advocates speeches were followed by an open house featuring wine and members of the and cheese, intended to give our first visitors a look at our general public in facility and spark interest in St. Catharines’ newest cultural celebration of Black space. History Month and the completion of the Museum’s upstairs gallery. It was time that Fergie and the public had seen the work done by the new curators. All of us at the The Museum’s second floor explores Fergie’s connection Foundation look forward to seeing what our curators have to southern ’s black history, as well as his road to the planned for the future of The Fergie Jenkins Foundation Majors. Upstairs, visitors can also see a sampling of Fergie’s Museum. 9 From the Archives A LOOK BACK AT WHAT SOME OF ’S GREATEST SPORTS WRITERS HAD TO SAY ABOUT FERGIE JENKINS MOST CONSISTENT All-American boy, why can’t we do a little down the stretch. crowing too? Now I don’t suggest that Jenkins was better WINNING PITCHER I’ve been waiting patiently since the season than Seaver in 1969, Gibson or Marichal PUBLISHED IN THE STAR, in 1968, or even Mike McCormick in 1967. REPRINTED IN Likewise, McLain’s record dwarfed his in the BY: JOHN ROBERTSON - FEBRUARY 1970 last two seasons, and Lonborg had a far better percentage in 1967. Major League baseball gets such saturation coverage that there should be no such thing But day in day out, over the last three as an unsung super star, right? Especially when seasons, Jenkins pitched longer, oftener and that super star is a pitcher. more consistently than each one of the so- called super stars, and it’s about time somebody For example, no one is going to say that came out and said so. hasn’t gotten his due recognition for being baseball’s best pitcher of the year Jenkins not only leads in total , (25-7) in 1969. And Dennis McLain of the Tigers pitched and , he ties Marichal (31-6) has been suitably enshrined for his 1968 for the lead in wins with heroics, with of the Sox (22-9), 61, and he’s the only pitcher among himself, everybody’s hero in 1967. Marichal, Seaver, McLain and Gibson to win and complete 20 games in all three seasons. And for day-to-day greatness, well Bob ended for one baseball writer somewhere Granted, a broken leg hampered Gibson in Gibson and are up there to give Fergie the recognition he deserves. 1967, and Marichal had arm trouble that year. alongside McLain, and now Seaver, in a class by My hackles started to rise way back in spring And certainly Fergie’s overall ERA and games themselves. training when did a large layout on baseball’s present-day iron-men and lost ranks him fifth in those departments. But But wait a minute! School’s not out quite yet. ignored him completely. for sheer durability, he tops them all. I’ve just spend a very dry, dusty afternoon I bristled when Fergie’s own manager, Leo I’m not suggesting Jenkins is the best pitcher wading through major league pitching records, Durocher, publicly ripped him for not putting in the majors. I’m not suggesting that he was and the resulting revelations might surprise out when he got clobbered in a crucial game in any of the three years mentioned. But I do you. during the Cubs’ collapse in the stretch. When believe that mid the oceans of publicity the For example, who is the only pitcher in the he notched his 20th victory in September, none others have gotten for their exploits, that majors to win 20 games or more in each of of the wire services even bothered to mention the 25-year-old righthander from Chatham, the last three seasons, complete more than 20 that he had achieved the milestone for the third Ont., deserves a little more than he got from each year over that same span, pitch more total consecutive season – his only three seasons, baseball’s horde of expert analysts in 1969. innings, start more games, and record more incidentally, as a in the majors. After the flak he took from his own manager strikeouts than any of his contemporaries? But the last straw was a recent story in the for the Cubs’ abysmal stretch showing, I No, it wasn’t Gibson, McLain or Marichal. It which saluted Chicago’s Bill think it’s time that somebody went on record was Canada’s own . Hands, an excellent young pitcher, as the Cubs’ congratulating him for a job well done. big stopper in 1969, with a snide inference that Okay, so maybe I’m waving the flag a little, Jenkins didn’t do the job when it mattered but if Tom Seaver can be heralded as baseball’s

Matthew Galligan @Matthew Galligan @FergieJenkins31 it was great hearing you sing for the 7th stretch the other day! #GoCubsGo 14 Apr

Andrew Hendriks @77hendriks Great time with @FergieJenkins31 & the @FJMuseum tonight in Kitchener. Great insight into the way the game used to be 8 May

David Morneau @DMMorneauLaw @FJMuseum @FergieJenkins31 Looks like our event last week raised over $8k! Thank you very much! People are still raving about FJ! 17 May 10 Proudly Presents The 13th Annual Fergie Jenkins Celebrity Golf Classic

Wine & Cheese Dinner Banquet Only $25 Only $75 Meet the Celebs! Dine with the Celebs!

Sample Our Award Winning Fergie Jenkins Series Wine

When: Sept. 12 - Practice Round / Wine & Cheese Sept. 13- Tournament / Banquet / Auction Fergie Jenkins Devon Whyte Where: Rockway Vineyards 3290 Ninth St. St. Catharines, ON

Why: Proceeds Benefit Red Cross, Special Olympics, Big Brothers/Sisters, and The Sodexo Foundation.

AND MANY MORE! Cost: $425 - All Inclusive $25 - Wine & Cheese Only Registration Includes: Admission to the Pierre Pilote Celebrity Wine & Cheese Social, Practice Round, Shot Gun Tournament, On Course Lunch, Banquet Dinner, Registration Gifts and Great Memorabilia Prizes Contact the office today for more details and to reserve your space 905-688-9418 or 905-641-1030

Printed By: PICS PLUS, Grimsby Thurman Thomas Coming up in our next issue of View from the Hill: • The Fergie Jenkins Charity Golf Classic, St. Catharines • MLB All Star Fan Fest 2013, • Fest • Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame • Museum Updates • Foundation Updates

How to Make a Donation to the Fergie Jenkins Foundation As a non-profit organization, the Fergie Jenkins Foundation relies on the generosity of its sponsors, donors and supporters to conduct its day-to-day activities. There are a number of ways that you can the Foundation’s charitable efforts.

• Tax-refundable cash or cheque donation • In-kind donation, which will also promote your business • Hole sponsorship at one of our three annual charity golf tournaments • Sponsorship of our quarterly newsletter • Decal sponsorship to have your company logo featured on one of our three event vans • If you have your own creative idea how you’d like to donate to Fergie’s charitable efforts, please contact the office at your earliest convenience. Fergie would like to express his sincere thanks to PICS PLUS, GRIMSBY for its outstanding fuprinting of View from the Hill

This edition of View from the Hill is proudly sponsored by:

Fergie’s hope of giving back to organizations and communities in need through the love of sport is being accomplished with the help of sponsors and supporters like you. He hopes that with your continued support, the Foundation will develop and continue to help for years to come. For more information regarding the Fergie Jenkins Foundation, please visit: www.fergiejenkins.ca

In the USA, mail to: The Fergie Jenkins Foundation • 165 Portage Rd • Lewiston, NY • 14092 12