Wilbur Wood's career in Major League Baseball is remembered for his unique role as a knuckleball pitcher, a position that set him apart from many of his contemporaries. Born on October 22, 1941, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Wood began his professional journey when he was signed by the Boston Red Sox as an amateur free agent in 1960. He made his MLB debut with the Red Sox in 1961, but it wasn't until he joined the Chicago White Sox that he truly found his stride.

Initially, Wood's career was marked by frequent transitions between teams. After his stint with the Red Sox, he was traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1964. His time with the Pirates was short-lived, and he was soon on the move again, this time to the Chicago White Sox in 1966. It was with the White Sox that Wood would spend the majority of his career and achieve his greatest successes.

Wood's transformation into a knuckleball specialist was largely influenced by his time with the White Sox. Under the guidance of pitching coach Johnny Sain, Wood honed his knuckleball, a pitch that would become his signature. This pitch allowed him to extend his career and become one of the most durable pitchers of his era. The knuckleball's unpredictable nature made it difficult for batters to hit, and Wood used it to great effect.

During the early 1970s, Wood became a workhorse for the White Sox, known for his ability to pitch on short rest. In 1971, he transitioned from a relief pitcher to a starting role, a move that paid off handsomely. That year, he led the American League in appearances with 88 games, a testament to his endurance and reliability. The following year, Wood's performance reached new heights. In 1972, he won 24 games, led the league in games started with 49, and pitched an impressive 376.2 innings. His efforts earned him a third-place finish in the American League Cy Young Award voting.

Wood's workload continued to be heavy in the subsequent seasons. In 1973, he again led the league in games started, innings pitched, and complete games. His ability to consistently deliver quality starts made him an invaluable asset to the White Sox rotation. Despite the heavy demands placed on him, Wood maintained a high level of performance, earning All-Star selections in 1971, 1972, and 1974.

However, the physical toll of pitching so many innings eventually caught up with Wood. In 1976, he suffered a devastating knee injury after being struck by a line drive, which significantly impacted his career. Although he attempted a comeback, he was never quite the same pitcher. Wood retired from professional baseball in 1978, leaving behind a legacy defined by his durability and mastery of the knuckleball.

Throughout his career, Wood amassed a record of 164 wins and 156 losses, with an earned run average (ERA) of 3.24 and 1,411 strikeouts.

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