When Ferguson “Fergie” Jenkins signed with the Philadelphia Phillies and began travelling with their minor team, he came to a major crossroads in his life.

As a Black baseball player in 1960s, the Chatham, Ont., native quickly learned how pervasive racism was in the United States.

Segregation meant he was prohibited from staying in the same hotels as his white teammates and often could not eat at the same restaurants.

Jenkins, who would go on to become the first Canadian inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame, could have quit and given up on his dream of playing in the major leagues. Instead, he got up every morning ready to give it his all on the field.

He recognized there were others who didn’t want him there, as a “player of colour,” but also knew he had a job to do: “play baseball.”

Jenkins spoke about the significance of this time in his life while addressing the graduating class at Brock University’s 115th Convocation on Wednesday, June 12. During the afternoon ceremony, he was presented with an honorary doctorate from the University for his contributions to sport and the community through his athletic and philanthropic pursuits.

Brock Faculty of Applied Health Sciences Dean Peter Tiidus (left) and Chancellor Hilary Pearson (right) present Ferguson “Fergie” Jenkins (centre) with his honorary doctorate.

Despite the challenges he faced along the way, Jenkins persevered in his career, playing Major League Baseball for nearly 20 years with the Phillies, Texas Rangers, Chicago Cubs and Boston Red Sox.

Among his many accolades, the three-time All Star was awarded the National League Cy Young Award, was honoured with Canadian postage stamps featuring his image and was recognized with the Order of Canada.

Jenkins said his wins did not come without challenges and difficult choices.

He encouraged Brock’s latest graduates, when they inevitably encounter a crossroads of their own, to always “do what you think is best” to decide the right path ahead.

“Don’t let someone spoil your dream,” he said, no matter the struggles that may be encountered along the way.

Jenkins was the third and final honorary doctorate recipient of Brock’s 115th Convocation, which continues until Friday, June 14 with three remaining ceremonies. On Tuesday, June 11, the University bestowed honorary doctorates upon environmental activist Maude Barlow and accessibility leader Tricia Pokorny (BA ’95).

In total, Brock’s Spring Convocation will see about 3,200 graduands from seven Faculties receive their degrees. All ceremonies take place in the Ian D. Beddis Gymnasium of Brock’s Walker Sports Complex and are livestreamed online at brocku.ca/livestream

For a full schedule of Brock’s Spring Convocation, visit brocku.ca/convocation

Discover the full collection of Convocation photos by ceremony on Brock University’s official Facebook page or view recordings of the ceremonies at brocku.ca/livestream

Watch Ferguson “Fergie” Jenkins’ full Convocation address below: