OTTAWA – Baseball legend Ferguson Jenkins finally has his Order of Canada – 23 years later.
The hall of fame pitcher and native of Chatham was first told he was eligible for the award in 1984 while he was playing for the Chicago Cubs.
Because he was living and working in the United States, the award had to be delivered to him and he agreed to attend a ceremony at some later date.
He's finally made it.
Jenkins stood with his hands clasped behind his back as an audience was told about the charitable foundation he runs before Gov. Gen. Michaelle Jean shook his hand and placed the Order of Canada pin on his lapel.
Jenkins says that even though he spends most of the year living on a golf course in Arizona, this country is a proud part of his identity.
Twenty-nine people were named members of the order in a ceremony at Rideau Hall.
Nine people were promoted to the rank of Officer of the Order of Canada, and three were promoted to the highest rank, Companion.
