Hall of Fame pitcher and Chatham native Fergie Jenkins is adding another accolade to his already impressive resume.
Jenkins will be presented with an honourary doctorate from Brock University in St. Catharines on June 12, 2024 at the university's 115th Convocation.
The school also announced that Jenkins will be delivering the Convocation address to the graduates that day.
Brock University Dean of Applied Health Sciences Peter Tiidus told CK New Today Fergie Jenkins is deserving of the honour because he has been a very important figure in Canadian sport and has greatly contributed to the community in many different ways.
"Every year the university gives honourary doctorates to people who have contributed things to the community and done something special in many different ways," said Tiidus.
Tiidus said Jenkins is a multi-dimensional individual and those are the types of individuals Brock University likes to recognize.
Tiidus said Jenkins is free to talk about whatever he likes in is Convocation speech, but hopes he talks about overcoming struggles and the inspiration he received during his career.
"The message to persevere for our students and to reach for their highest goals is something we certainly found admirable in Mister Jenkins and hopefully he can convey some of that optimism to our students as well," he said.
Jenkins also founded the Fergie Jenkins Foundation in St. Catharines, which has supported hundreds of charities across North America and supported students at Brock.
"He does do some work with that foundation through our sport management students. They get the opportunity to get placements there and to learn," Tiidus said.
Tiidus said former Toronto Maple Leafs General Manager Kyle Dubas was one of the Brock honourees last year.
Jenkins was the first Canadian inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1991 and was a three-time All Star and National League Cy Young Award winner.
He pitched for nearly two decades for the Texas Rangers, Philadelphia Phillies, Chicago Cubs and Boston Red Sox.