Listen to this man. Seven years of college, you know. Trying to reason with 2020 and, now, 2022.

Monday, April 6, 2009

Retiring Cub Numbers-- Part 2

The Cubs will be retiring Greg Maddux and Ferguson Jenkins' #31 on May 3rd before playing the Florida Marlins at Wrigley.

According to an article byFred Mitchell in the March 19th Chicago Tribune, Jenkins said he originally wanted #30 when he came over with Adolfo Phillips and John Hernstein in 1966 for Bob Buhl and Larry Jackson, but Ken Holtzman already had it. His birthday was Dec. 13th so he reversed the numbers.

Maddux was only 20 and too much in awe to say anything about #31, especially when he learned that Fergie had worn it before him.

Jenkins was 284-226 with the Cubs (10 years), Phillies, Rangers, and Red Sox and won the NL Cy Young Award in 1971. He won 20 or more games six straight years for the Cubs from 1967-1972.

Maddux pitched for the Cubs from 1986 to 1992 compiling a 95-73 record before they let him leave due to free agency. He came back for three more years 2004 to 2006 and was 38-37.

Well deserved, guys.

Two Greats, Indeed. --RoadDog

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