Several students in Chatham can now brag about speaking with a Canadian baseball star after a virtual meeting was held with Fergie Jenkins.
The Grade 3-4 students at George P. Vanier Catholic School, taught by Jillian Watterworth, spoke with the former MLB pitcher from Chatham-Kent over Google Meet on Friday.
Jenkins reached out to the school after a student in Watterworth's class created a video on "how to play baseball" as part of a project on procedure writing.
In the video, which was posted to social media, Elijah shared some quick facts about Jenkins. The baseball great later posted a snip of Elijah's video on Twitter.
This young man from Chatham did such a great job on his school project I had to share! Great work Elijah! pic.twitter.com/HxX1M1VAtt
— Fergie Jenkins (@fergieajenkins) January 14, 2021
“What a thrill this was for me and for our students,” said Watterworth. “We were all so excited to meet this Canadian baseball legend!”
During the video meeting, Jenkins shared with the class how he got involved in baseball.
“I started playing ball at nine years old at Sprucedale Pee Wee Park in Chatham,” said Jenkins. "I started pitching when I was 16.”
A media release from the St. Clair Catholic District School Board (SCCDSB) said students started researching facts about Jenkins and compiling questions to ask once they found out about the virtual meeting.
"When asked about his greatest achievements, he told the students being the father of four children was something of which he was most proud," read the release by the SCCDSB.
From a professional perspective, Jenkins said he counted the Cy Young Award in 1971 and the Order of Canada in 2007 among his greatest accomplishments.
"This year, he celebrates 30 years as an inductee in the Baseball Hall of Fame," read the release.
During the virtual meeting, Jenkins also offered some advice to the students.
“Whether you want to be a firefighter, a police officer, a nurse or an athlete, it doesn’t matter,” he told the students. “Set a goal and then work hard, persevere and get a good education.”
Jenkins joined the call from his home in Texas. The call also included his daughter.
“What a great experience this was for our class,” said Watterworth. “It’s a day we will never forget!”
Elijah's full how-to video can be found on the school board's website.