Cubs to unveil Fergie statue on May 20

CHICAGO -- Fergie Jenkins’ statue is coming to Wrigley Field, and it will join a group of other Cubs greats in a new section of the ballpark.

The Cubs announced Wednesday that the dedication for Fergie Jenkins’ statue will be held May 20. After his enshrinement in the Baseball Hall of Fame and his No. 31 being retired alongside fellow No. 31 Greg Maddux, it’s another big step in immortalizing one of the franchise’s most beloved stars.

“Believe me, it’s some kind of honor,” Jenkins told Marquee Sports Network.

Jenkins is the Cubs’ franchise leader in pitching WAR per Baseball Reference (53.0), starts (347) and strikeouts (2,038), making him a no-brainer for recognition at the team’s historic ballpark. He said he was told by the Ricketts family of the plan to create a statue near the end of the last season, and his windup will now be immortalized.

“My kids will have that opportunity to see [it] if they ... visit Wrigley Field,” Jenkins said. “Raymond, my son, lives in Wheaton [Ill.], so he’ll have more of an opportunity to come to Wrigley Field. I know he’s pretty proud. All my kids are pretty proud.”

Jenkins’ statue will not be alone, either. The Cubs announced they are placing it in a new “Statue Row,” where the casts of Ernie Banks, Ron Santo and Billy Williams will also stand. Hall of Fame broadcaster Harry Caray’s statue will remain at the intersection of Waveland and Sheffield Avenues by the entrance to the Wrigley Field bleachers.