Kerry Wood announced prior to Friday’s Cubs-White Sox series opener that he would be retiring after the game, but he still wanted to make one last pitching appearance. His wish came true when he relieved Jeff Samardzija in the 8th inning to face pinch-hitter Dayan Viciedo.
Wood struck out Viciedo on three pitches, walked off the field to a standing ovation, and held his son, who was serving as a bat boy.
The strikeout was a fitting end to Wood’s career. Wood led the league with 266 strikeouts in 2003, and he’s second all-time with 10.313 strikeouts per nine innings. The former Rookie of the Year exploded onto the scene in 1998 when, a mere five starts into his career, he struck out 20 Houston Astros in one of the most impressive pitching performances in history.
Wood battled arm injuries throughout his career and even missed the entire 1999 season after having Tommy John surgery. He spent a season and a half with the Indians, a half-season with the Yankees, and the rest of his career with the Cubs, which was broken into two stints. Wood considered retirement this offseason but decided to play for the Cubs on a one-year deal. He spent time on the disabled list with a shoulder injury earlier this year, and had a publicized meltdown last week.
Kerry Wood’s lack of durability as a starter limited his anticipated impact on the game, but few pitchers have reached the peaks he did.
Photo Credit: Jerry Lai-US PRESSWIRE
