Ferguson Jenkins

Canadian baseball legend Fergie Jenkins will visit Vancouver this Friday to join the local celebrations in recognition of Black History Month.

The only Canadian player inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York, Jenkins was selected last December by Canada Post as one of two African Canadians to be featured on a pair of stamps issued to mark Black History Month. The other stamp features Carrie Best, the late journalist, civil right activist and a member of the Order of Canada.

Jenkins Stamps sheet

Fergie Jenkins will be available at the Vancouver Main Post Office to sign autographs for the public while Christene Best, granddaughter of Carrie Best, will also make an appearance to purchase stamps in honour of her grandmother.

When: Friday, February 25, 3 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Where: Vancouver Main Post Office – Retail area 349 West Georgia Street, Vancouver

The two guests will then attend a special event organized by Canada Post, the City of Vancouver and the Vancouver Public Library, where they will be joined by Mayor Gregor Robertson and other dignitaries to unveil the commemorative stamps.

When: Friday, February 25, 5.30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Vancouver Public Library, Central Branch (lower level)
Alma VanDusen & Peter Kaye rooms, 350 West Georgia Street, Vancouver

Fergie Jenkins Stamped
[Photo Credit: Bigadore on Flickr]

Following the ceremony, Vancouver Public Library Board Chair Catherine Evans will introduce the NFB Film “King of the Hill”, a documentary which follows the life of Jenkins and the Chicago Cubs through the ups and downs of the 1972-73 baseball season.

Jenkins will speak about his life and career after the film, to be followed by Best, who will remember the accomplishments of her grandmother, Carrie Best. Vancouver Park Board Commissioner Constance Barnes will also speak about the life of her late father, distinguished football player and respected B.C. politician Emery Barnes.

Fergie Jenkins

Pitcher Fergie Jenkins won 284 games during his career of 19 years, including six consecutive 20-win seasons while a member of the Chicago Cubs. He holds the 12th highest strikeout total in major league history, was a Cy Young Award winner, and he was also elected into the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame. In 2000, he established his charitable foundation, The Fergie Jenkins Foundation.

UPDATE: I attended this event and uploaded a series of photos to my Flickr account.

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