(670 The Score) The Cubs will honor Hall of Fame pitcher Fergie Jenkins with a statue outside of Wrigley Field ahead of the 2022 season, Jenkins revealed on Twitter on Tuesday.
“I am deeply honored to share this with my family, friends and teammates,” Jenkins said via his Twitter account. “But most of all, I share this with you, the Cubs fans, and I say to you, ‘Meet me at the Fergie statue’ next year so we can celebrate together.”
Jenkins, who's now 78, played for the Cubs in 10 of his 19 MLB seasons. He was a three-time All-Star who also won the National League Cy Young award in 1971. Jenkins is first in Cubs franchise history in strikeouts (2,038) and fifth in wins (167). He amassed 284 wins in his career. Jenkins was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1991.
The Cubs plan to unveil the statue on Opening Day of 2022, NBC Sports Chicago reported. Chairman Tom Ricketts first informed Jenkins of the idea last week.
"Mr. Ricketts came to me about a week ago and asked my permission for the Cubs to erect a statue," Jenkins said in a media session later Tuesday. "I am quite happy with the situation. I said, 'Please, go right ahead, I would love to have one.' I think it's going to be outstanding to join my fellow teammates."
Jenkins also reflected on his career.
"When I first signed a pro contract, I just wanted to get to the big leagues," he said. "I was fortunate enough to stay healthy, play on some good ball clubs and put some good numbers up. Good things happened to me. Winning 20 games was an honor I strived for, and doing it quite a few years in a row was great. Now the number retired and the statue, I don't think an athlete can ever think about this happening to them. It is happening in my lifetime, and I am pretty happy."