Arguably the greatest pitcher in Cubs history, Fergie Jenkins’ Hall of Fame career as a starting pitcher began when he was traded to the Chicago Cubs in 1966.

Then-manager Leo Durocher converted Jenkins from a reliever to a starting pitcher and the rest, as they say, is history.

“In his first 6 seasons as a starter, Fergie averaged 21 wins, 23 complete games and 305 innings pitched while fanning at least 260 batters four times,” Cubs historian Ed Hartig said. “His 24 wins in 1971 led the NL and earned him Cy Young honors.”

In that Cy Young-winning season, Jenkins led the National League in complete games (30) and innings (325) while posting a 2.77 ERA. In 10 seasons with the Cubs, Jenkins went 167-132 with a 3.20 ERA and 154 complete games.

In total, Jenkins won 284 games, pitched to a lifetime 3.34 ERA in 19 seasons and threw 267 career complete games.

He had 2,038 strikeouts and pitched in 346 games with the Cubs, both of which are team records. He was the first pitcher to end his career with 3,000 strikeouts and less than 1,000 walks.

Jenkins was the model for durability, leading the majors in complete games in 3 seasons as a Cub and throwing over 300 innings in 4 seasons with the Cubs.

He was elected into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1991, becoming the first Canadian-born player to be enshrined among baseball’s greats.