Big League Dreams: Baseball Hall of Fame's First African-Canadian, Fergie Jenkins

by Richard Brignall

Overview

This is a history of black major league baseball players and the crumbling of the colour barrier in sport, and the story of how Fergie Jenkins rose to the top to become Canada's first inductee into the American Baseball Hall of Fame.

Fergie Jenkins grew up in the era when Jackie Robinson became the first black man to play major league baseball, and Willie O'Ree became the first black NHL player. Inspired by these professional athletes, and with doors now opening for young men like himself, Fergie went on to have a remarkable career in major league baseball.

Former sports journalist Richard Brignall traces the ups and downs in Fergie's career, from his humble roots in Chatham, Ontario, to his time with the Phillies, the Cubs, the Red Sox, and the Rangers. Along the way, Brignall examines what it meant for a man to be black in the United States versus Canada in the 1960s and 70s.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781459406155
Publisher:	James Lorimer & Company Ltd., Publishers
Publication date:	10/30/2013
Series:	Lorimer Recordbooks Series
Sold by:	De Marque
Format:	eBook
Pages:	152
File size:	2 MB
Age Range:	12 - 17 Years

About the Author

RICHARD BRIGNALL has written ten non-fiction books for young readers and adults. He has also contributed hundreds of articles to magazines across Canada, including Cottage Life and Outdoor Canada and was previously the sports reporter for the Kenora Daily Miner and News. His books have been shortlisted for the Carol Shields Award, the Red Cedar Award, and the Golden Oak Award. He lives in Kenora, Ontario.

Editorial Reviews

"An easy to read format which will appeal to both young readers and reluctant reader teens alike. Information boxes included in the text assist readers by explaining terminology, concepts, and by providing interesting facts related to the biography of this athlete. In addition, the values, positive attitude and determination of successful goal achievement despite social adversity are proudly displayed through Fergie Jenkins, making him a role model for children and an icon in character education. An excellent addition to the library collection and as a companion book in the classroom for character education, values education, biographical study, Black History and recreational reading."

Resource Links

"As well as telling Jenkins' story, Brignall has given readers a snapshot of American social history. The attention to both achievements and social climate makes a compelling read. Recommended."

CM Magazine