Monster Card Monday: 1971 Ferguson Jenkins

As some of you know, my earliest memories of baseball were of the Chicago Cubs of the late 60s and early 70s.  I remember the likes of Ernie Banks, Ron Santo, Glenn Beckert and yes, Fergie Jenkins.  Canadian-born Ferguson Jenkins was the crown jewel of the Cubs’ pitching staff. 

And what a year he had in 1971!  For my money, it ranks up there as one of most dominant season performances by a starting pitcher in recent history (ok, maybe I’m dating myself by calling 1971, “recent”).  Two figures stand out in his impressive stat line.  Of his 39 starts, he had THIRTY complete games.  Also, in 325 innings pitched, he only allowed 37 walks. 

Jenkins (right, signing an autograph for me at the 2007 Cubs Convention) went to the All-Star Game in 1971.  Not only that, he was honored with the NL Cy Young Award.  APBA did their part and awarded him an Grade A.  When the 1971 season was republished in 1993, he got the ZZ he so deserved. 

However as I remember from my youth, Ferguson Jenkins knew how to hit, too.  He had 13 career homeruns and in 1971 he hit six with 20 rbis in just 132 plate appearances and a decent .243 batting average. 

Jenkins’ 1971 hitting card is formidable particularly for the era.  His power numbers 1-5-5-6 and four 8s and two 9s coupled with two 14s would make any manager think twice about intentionally walking the #8 batter to get to him. 

One thing puzzles me about the Fergie Jenkins 1971 card.  It’s his J-1 rating. I’m not sure what exactly goes into how APBA gives out J-ratings but it seems if anyone deserves a J-0, it would be Jenkins (39 starts, 325 IP).  Granted, it’s a small thing but it is a head-scratcher. 

Thanks to reader Mel M for suggesting the 1971 Jenkins card!  Great idea!