A legal battle is underway between Fergie Jenkins and the foundation that bears his name.
Jenkins wants to move the head office of the Fergie Jenkins Foundation to his hometown of Chatham, but he's getting resistance from the foundation's Board of Directors.
McKenzie Lake Lawyers issued a media release on Thursday saying "it's Fergie's dream" to have the foundation headquartered in his hometown of Chatham, but the board is not playing ball.
"Mr. Jenkins was shocked and saddened to encounter resistance from the Fergie Jenkins Foundation Board Members in his plans to moving the Foundation's headquarters to Chatham," read the statement. "The Fergie Jenkins Foundation Board Members are attempting to shut down operations of the foundation and have refused to return certain pieces of Mr. Jenkins' memorabilia back to him."
Jenkins' law firm said the Hall of Fame pitcher had no choice but to start litigation against the foundation and its board members to recover possession of various memorabilia items.
"Mr. Jenkins and his family are saddened at the erosion of their relationship with the Fergie Jenkins Foundation and hope to reach a resolution and continue the foundation's mission of serving humanitarian need through the love of sport," it said.
The law firm of McKenzie Lake also said Jenkins doesn't wish to comment further because the matter is currently before the courts.
The foundation memorializes the legacy of Jenkins' baseball career, supports charities, and educates and inspires the next generation of Canadian baseball players.
The Fergie Jenkins museum in St. Catharines displays Jenkins' sports memorabilia from his spectacular playing career and items from black history archives, as well as keepsakes from family and loved ones.
CK New Today has reached out to Jenkins' lawyers and the foundation for comment, but no response has been received yet from either side.
