Ferguson Jenkins debuts with 4 1/3 innings of relief against the Cardinals and picks up his first victory

On September 10, 1965 — Philadelphia Phillies rookie Ferguson Jenkins debuts with 4 1/3 innings of relief against the Cardinals and picks up his first victory. Philadelphia wins, 5 – 4, in 12 innings. It is the Phillies’ 10,000th game decision since 1900.

From The Philadelphia Daily News:

FERGUSON JENKINS? Yep Ferguson Jenkins, who sounds like a society bandleader and looks like a Villanova forward. Jenkins didn’t seem surprised by what he had done, two hits in four-and-one-third innings, even if he was surprised to be here.

“I sent my things home from Little Rock.” Jenkins admitted.

“I sent my TV set and my wife home. I thought the season was over. Then they said I was coming to the major leagues.”

The surprise gave way to jitters when he walked in to face Groat in the eighth inning with two men on and the score tied. * I was nervous, but it only lasted until the first strike to Groat,” he said. ‘ I thought they might take a pitch to see how my ball moves. They were swinging, though, and I’m glad, because I was throwing strikes.

Jenkins gave up 5 homeruns in 3 innings in spring training when he had a chance to make the club out of the gate. Jenkins will finish with a 2.19 ERA and get traded to start the 1966 season. From 1967 – 1973 he will win 20 or more games every season for the Cubs and win the 1971 Cy Young Award. He also will finish 2nd and 3rd twice in Cy Young voting. He will make his way to Cooperstown in 1991.’
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