Antonacci: Thanks to Brock University honour, it's now Dr. Fergie Jenkins

Ferguson “Fergie” Jenkins addresses Brock’s graduating class at the University’s 115th Convocation. Photo: Brock University

June 18, 2024

By J.P. Antonacci

Canadian Baseball Network

Ferguson Jenkins has the most wins of any Canadian pitcher in Major League Baseball history and was the first Canadian elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

But as he told graduates of Brock University during his commencement address on June 12, he did not achieve that success alone.

“Without teammates, it’s pretty tough,” Jenkins said of amassing his 284 career wins.

“The most of a player of colour,” he said. “I’m pretty proud of that.”

Brock Faculty of Applied Health Sciences Dean Peter Tiidus, left, and Chancellor Hilary Pearson, right, present Ferguson “Fergie” Jenkins with his honorary doctorate. Photo: Brock University

The newly minted Dr. Jenkins was also proud to accept the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, during Brock’s 115th convocation, in recognition of “his contributions to sport and the community through his athletic and philanthropic pursuits,” according to the university.

“I know that it’s going to be one heck of a ceremony to walk across the stage and get that diploma,” Jenkins told his audience of students and faculty.

“I never had that opportunity. Graduated high school, had to go to work.”

His life’s work was baseball, and turning professional with the Philadelphia Phillies brought the future Cy Young Award winner to what he called a “crossroads.”

The kid from Chatham, Ont., encountered the reality of racism and segregation while playing minor-league ball in the United States, where he often could not stay with or even dine alongside his white teammates.

But instead of kow-towing to prejudice, Jenkins worked harder on the field, carving out a major-league career that saw him suit up for four teams across two decades, becoming a three-time all-star and seeing him honoured in his home country with the Order of Canada and a postage stamp bearing his image.

“The things that I had to do, they were tough,” Jenkins told Brock’s newest crop of graduates. “When you want to win, it takes a struggle sometimes.”

Being a professional – in any field – is about how you carry yourself and how much effort you put in, Jenkins said.

“When I look back, all it took was hard work,” he said.

“The most important thing … is to do what you think is best.”

He exhorted the new graduates to weigh their options carefully and strive to make their chosen careers better.

“All it’s going to take is hard work,” he said.

A dose of perspective and self-belief helps, too.

“I never lacked for trust,” Jenkins said. “I won ballgames. I also lost. You’ve got to be short-memoried.”

No matter the struggles encountered along the way, Jenkins advised the graduates to work as a team and face each crossroads with an unwavering belief in their future.

“Don’t let someone spoil your dream,” he said.

“Enjoy your life.”