Backing Up the Truck: Fergie Jenkins

The 1973 Chicago Cubs finished the season with a record of 77-84. That left them in fifth place. It was the first time since 1966 that they finished under .500. It was the end of the line for the 1969 Cubs.

After the season, the dumping began. First to go was Fergie Jenkins. His 1973 was a disaster. He failed to win 20 game, ending his consecutive streak at six years. Fergie also has an ugly episode at Wrigley Field where he was booed by the fans as walked to the dugout after being pulled from a game. He didn’t take kindly to the booing and to the work of the home plate umpire. He tossed some bats towards the field. His time as a Cub would soon be over.

 

The Cubs didn’t wait long to dump Fergie. On October 25, 1973, he was traded to the Rangers for second baseman Vic Harris and young third baseman Bill Madlock.

Why would the Cubs trade for a second and third baseman when they had Glenn Beckert and Ron Santo?

Because they were backing up the truck. Two more former All Stars would be gone soon, too.