This banquet tomorrow night is hosted by the Saskatchewan African Canadian Heritage Museum to commemorate Black History Month. It features guest-speaker Ferguson Jenkins. Born in Chatham, Ont. in 1942, Jenkins enjoyed a stellar career as a major league baseball pitcher.
Jenkins began his career with the Philadelphia Phillies in 1962. The following year he was traded to the Chicago Cubs. Despite pitching in hitter-friendly Wrigley Field, Jenkins blossomed into an all-star, recording six straight season with 20 or more wins, capped off with his being awarded the 1971 Cy Young Award.
Following the 1973 season, Jenkins was traded to the Texas Rangers. He later played for the Boston Red Sox, and had a second stint with the Rangers before ending his career with the Cubs in 1983. He finished with a win-loss record of 284-226, an ERA of 3.34 and 3192 strikeouts. In 1991, he became the first Canadian to be elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame at Cooperstown.
Descended from slaves who made their way north to Canada via the Underground Railroad in the 19th century, Jenkins is being honoured this month by Canada Post with the release of a special stamp (pictured above). The stamp was designed by Lara Minja, a former Regina resident who grew up and went to school here.
The banquet is being held at Queensbury Centre. For more information call 545-8824.
