Fergie's new autobiography: A good read

Perfect Game Staff

Ferguson Jenkins gave his entire $8,000 signing bonus to his parents in 1962 so they could pay off the mortgage on their home. He ran into discrimination and racial prejudice during his minor league career in Florida and Arkansas with the Phillies, a stark contrast to his enlightened upbringing in Canada. And he suffered extreme personal tragedies during his life, including the loss of his first wife and a 3-year-old child.

Those are some of the things you'll learn about Jenkins in his new autobiography: "Fergie, My Life From The Cubs to Copperstown." It's a good read and well worth the time and effort.

You'll learn about Fergie's Hall of Fame career, during which he compiled a record of 284-226 from 1965 to 1983 with a career ERA of 3.34. He won 20 or more games with the Cubs for six straight years from 1967 through 1972, then won 25 games for the Texas Rangers in 1974 after the Cubs traded him away following a 14-16 mark in 1973.

Jenkins offers an interesting behind-the-scenes look at the minor leagues, winter ball in foreign countries, and major-league baseball in Philadelphia, Chicago, Texas and Boston. You'll learn more about the 1969 Cubs and their disappointing loss to the Mets that year, and what it was like playing for Leo "The Lip" Durocher.

Jenkins, 66, is still active in baseball circles as a speaker and fundraiser. He makes numerous appearances for charitable events and estimates that he's signed more than one million autographs during his lifetime.

You don't have to be a Cubs fan to enjoy "Fergie." In fact, you don't even have to be a baseball fan. It's an interesting book about an interesting man.

PERFECTGAME.TV

Give us your feedback

Wolforth Throwing Mentorship: Article 39
Justin Verlander's Approach to Skill Development: 3 Lessons for Young Travel Ball Pitchers

Wolforth Throwing Mentorship: Article 38
Trevor Bauer first came to the Texas Baseball Ranch the summer between his 8th grade year and his Freshman year in high school. Trevor then trained regularly at the Ranch until his third year with the Cleveland Indians. Trevor even stayed at our home over the parts of two summers while he was at UCLA.

Wolforth Throwing Mentorship: Article 37
There isn't a single travel ball coach, parent, or pitcher who wouldn't agree with what the Tampa Bay Rays see as the crucial factor that often determines the outcome of a baseball game. Yet, immediately after their resounding concurrence, many of these individuals would raise questions like, "But what about..."

Wolforth Throwing Mentorship: Article 36
The most significant factor influencing arm health and durability – while also avoiding potential pain, injury, and the need for surgical intervention – is a variable that is relatively straightforward to implement and manage.

PERFECTGAME.TV