“Not Everyone is Lucky”: Fergie Jenkins Gets Emotional at Wrigley Field Statue Unveiling.vc
In the bright sunshine of Chicago’s Gallagher Way, beside the iconic Friendly Confines, legendary Hall of Fame pitcher Fergie Jenkins stood silently in front of the bronze statue of his iconic pitching stance that had just been unveiled. Surrounded by thousands of cheering Cubs fans, the moment was an emotional culmination of a historic career.
Jenkins (the main character in this heartfelt ceremony) was visibly moved as he took his place in the newly created “Statue Row,” alongside his former teammates, the late Ron Santo and Ernie Banks, and fellow Hall of Famer Billy Williams, who was in attendance.
The Quote That Brought Tears
At the podium, the 79-year-old icon delivered the words that captured the deep gratitude and humility of the moment, acknowledging the rarity of such an honor:
“Not everyone is lucky enough to see their own statue while they’re alive.”
The Immortality of the Moment
The statue, which depicts Jenkins in the middle of his famous windup—right arm cocked and glove tucked—forever immortalizes the man widely considered the greatest pitcher in the long and legendary history of the Chicago Cubs.
- A Family Legacy: Jenkins was particularly emotional about the impact on his family, stating: “This statue will be here long after I’m gone, and it’s a great tribute to myself and my family… It’s nice to know my grandkids will be able to see Grandpa Fergie for days and years here at Wrigley Field.”
- Humbled and Proud: Jenkins—a 1971 NL Cy Young winner and the first Canadian in the Baseball Hall of Fame—repeatedly used two words to describe his feelings, saying: “Believe me, I am humbled. I stand here a proud man, also humble.”
- The Reunion: The moment reunited the icons of the beloved Cubs teams of the ’60s and ’70s, with Billy Williams proudly acknowledging the timing: “I thought Fergie deserved this a long time ago. But better late than never.”
The ceremony not only honored Jenkins’ incredible career—which included a Cubs-record six straight 20-win seasons—but also celebrated his dedication, character, and generosity, cementing his status as a complete person on and off the field.
The Cubs are hoping to build a team worthy of these great legends. Would you like to check the latest buzz regarding the Cubs’ reported pursuit of Japanese ace Tatsuya Imai to anchor their future rotation?
