Kerry Wood, a right-handed pitcher, burst onto the Major League Baseball scene with the Chicago Cubs, quickly becoming one of the most talked-about young talents in the game. Born on June 16, 1977, in Irving, Texas, Wood was drafted by the Cubs as the fourth overall pick in the 1995 MLB Draft. His journey to the majors was marked by anticipation and excitement, as scouts and fans alike were eager to see what this young pitcher could achieve.
Wood's major league debut came on April 12, 1998, against the Montreal Expos. However, it was his fifth career start on May 6, 1998, that etched his name into baseball history. Facing the Houston Astros, Wood delivered a performance for the ages, striking out 20 batters and allowing only one hit in a complete game shutout. This game tied the MLB record for strikeouts in a nine-inning game and showcased Wood's incredible potential. His fastball and devastating slider left batters baffled, and the performance earned him the nickname "Kid K."
The 1998 season concluded with Wood being named the National League Rookie of the Year. Unfortunately, his career was soon plagued by injuries, a recurring theme that would follow him throughout his time in the majors. In 1999, Wood underwent Tommy John surgery, causing him to miss the entire season. Despite this setback, he returned to the mound in 2000, demonstrating his resilience and determination to succeed.
Over the next few years, Wood continued to be a vital part of the Cubs' pitching rotation. In 2003, he played a crucial role in leading the Cubs to the National League Championship Series. That season, Wood posted a 14-11 record with a 3.20 ERA and led the league with 266 strikeouts. His performance in the postseason was equally impressive, as he helped the Cubs defeat the Atlanta Braves in the National League Division Series. However, the Cubs fell short in the NLCS against the Florida Marlins.
Wood's career was characterized by a series of comebacks from injuries. He transitioned from a starting pitcher to a relief role in 2007, a move that extended his career and allowed him to continue contributing to his team. In 2008, Wood became the Cubs' closer, recording 34 saves and earning an All-Star selection. His ability to adapt to a new role demonstrated his versatility and willingness to do whatever was necessary for his team.
After leaving the Cubs in 2008, Wood signed with the Cleveland Indians, where he continued to serve as a closer. His time with the Indians was followed by a stint with the New York Yankees in 2010, where he played a key role in their bullpen during the latter part of the season. Wood returned to the Cubs in 2011, much to the delight of Chicago fans who had always held him in high regard.
Wood's final appearance in the majors came on May 18, 2012, when he struck out the only batter he faced before leaving the field to a standing ovation. He announced his retirement shortly thereafter, ending a career that had seen both remarkable highs and challenging lows.
Throughout his career, Wood was known for his powerful fastball and sharp breaking pitches. Despite the injuries that limited his playing time, he remained a beloved figure in Chicago and a respected competitor across the league. His perseverance and ability to adapt to different roles on the field left a lasting impression on teammates and fans alike.
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