Chatham-Kent Hall of Fame pitcher Fergie Jenkins has officially been presented with an Honourary Doctorate from Brock University at its 115th Convocation.
The 2024 Spring ceremony for the Faculty of Applied Health Sciences was held Wednesday afternoon at the St. Catharines campus where Jenkins delivered an emotional graduation address.
Jenkins, who got a loud standing ovation, started his speech by saying graduation is important and that the graduates shouldn't be afraid to face the many crossroads presented in life. Jenkins graduated high school at the age of 18, but never got a post-secondary education because he went to work.
However, his most important message to the graduates was that winning is a struggle, but it's important and it takes hard work.
"Think of what your options are. Some might be good, some might not be good and think about what you can do to make what you do better. With your job, with your company, whatever it is," said Jenkins.
Jenkins also told the graduates to trust their skills and talent and to never let anybody spoil their dreams.
"Things can work out, but it takes hard work. Don't let someone spoil your dream. I had a dream of being an excellent player. It worked out great for me. I played with some great teammates and played against some great athletes," he said.
Jenkins also emphasized teamwork and told the students to do what they think is best and to be a productive member of society.
He also explained how difficult segregation and racism was in the U.S. in the 1960s when he started his professional career. Jenkins explained that segregation kept him from staying in the same hotels as his white teammates and often he couldn't eat at the same restaurants.
Jenkins concluded his convocation address by telling the young graduates to enjoy life.
Jenkins was introduced as a Canadian working in the United States who never forgot his Canadian roots and he thanked the university for the honour.
The Chatham native 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.
His Major League Baseball pitching career spanned nearly two decades, playing for the Texas Rangers, Philadelphia Phillies, Chicago Cubs, and Boston Red Sox.
He also founded the Fergie Jenkins Foundation in St. Catharines in 2000, which has supported hundreds of charities across North America.
Jenkins is also a member of the Order of Canada and a member of Canada's Walk of Fame.
Jenkins also got a big ovation when he mentioned how proud he was of winning 284 ball games in Major League Baseball, the most ever by a player of colour.
