News Release
February 3, 2011
Poster of Canadian baseball pitcher Fergie Jenkins unveiled for Black History Month
As part of Toronto’s Black History Month celebrations, Deputy Mayor Doug Holyday today unveiled a poster celebrating Fergie Jenkins, the first Canadian pitcher to win the Cy Young Award and the first Canadian to be elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York(1991).
Jenkins played major league ball from 1965 to 1983. He holds the 12th highest strikeout total in history and is one of only four major league pitchers who, over the course of his career, struck out more than 3,000 batters while walking fewer than 1,000 batters.
“Baseball is a sport that celebrates diversity as we do at the City of Toronto,” said Deputy Mayor Holyday. “We are honoured to have Mr. Jenkins with us today to help celebrate Black History Month.”
The Fergie Jenkins poster is the 10th in a series that celebrates the contributions of African Canadians who have distinguished themselves in various fields. Each poster measures about 50 by 75 centimetres (20 by 30 inches). The poster designs are created by the City of Toronto’s Parks, Forestry and Recreation division in consultation with the community. The poster series, including the Fergie Jenkins poster, is available for purchase by calling 416-392-0811 or e-mailing enelson@toronto.ca.
“My family and I are extremely proud that the City of Toronto has honoured me in this way, and that Canada has honoured me by issuing a stamp,” said Jenkins.
On February 1, Canada Post issued a Fergie Jenkins stamp to commemorate his achievements. Mr. Jenkins presented the stamp, designed by Lara Minja and printed by Lowe-Martin on Tullis Russell paper, to the City of Toronto during the poster unveiling ceremony.
More information about the poster series is available at http://www.toronto.ca/blackhistory/african_history.htm.
More information about other Black History Month events produced by the City of Toronto is available at http://www.toronto.ca/blackhistory.
Toronto is Canada’s largest city and sixth largest government, and home to a diverse population of about 2.6 million people. Toronto’s government is dedicated to delivering customer service excellence, creating a transparent and accountable government, reducing the size and cost of government and building a transportation city. For information on non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can dial 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
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