#31 Retirement Ceremony, Fergie Jenkins, Greg Maddux

May 2, 2009

Fergie Jenkins (long overdue) and Greg Maddux were honored today at Wrigley by having their numbers retired. They each got their own #31 flag.

Left Field: Ernie Banks #14, Ron Santo #1o, Fergie Jenkins #31

Right Field: Billie Williams #26, Ryne Sandburg #23, Greg Maddux #31

Both of them were assigned their numbers by Yosh – Fergie wanting 13 – Maddux’s was waiting for him in his locker.

Video courtesy of lEverything

PART 1

PART 2

Both underrated and understated. Their stats a tribute to their hard work, preparation, mental and physical toughness, love of Wrigley and the intangible – love of the game. Both played for the Cubs twice in a non-pitcher’s park and on teams that were not winning machines. They could both hit and field and were “players” not pitchers as Ronnie likes to say. Maddux was never injured, barely missed a start and won 355 games, which will never be eclipsed. Fergie had 6 20-win seasons – 5 in a row – which never be repeated.

And they both won without cheating.

Just a few stats

FERGUSON JENKINS
284 Wins
3.34 ERA
3192 strikeouts
1971 Cy Young Award
1991 Hall of Fame

GREG MADDUX
355 Wins
3.16 ERA
3371 Strikeouts
4 Cy Young Awards