#TBT: Kerry Wood
20 is a coveted number for a major league starting pitcher. On April 12, 1998, a rookie, barley more than a teenager, took the mound for the Cubs for the first time. Less than one month later, "20" solidified his place in history.
20 is a coveted number for a major league starting pitcher. On April 12, 1998, a rookie, barley more than a teenager, took the mound for the Cubs for the first time. Less than one month later, "20" solidified his place in history.
Kerry Wood's overall success as a pitcher was no surprise. The righty was selected by the Cubs in the fourth round of the 1995 draft out of Grand Prairie High School. Wood was "something special", as expressed by many scouts at the time.
The youngster flew through the minor leagues, landing with Iowa in 1997 in his third professional season. He made 10 starts for the I-Cubs that year, posting a 5.46 ERA (30ER/57.2IP) with 52 walks and 80 strikeouts.
Wood was Iowa's Opening Day starter in 1998 against Louisville, allowing one hit and fanning 11 over five frames. He earned PCL Pitcher of the Week honors for his performance, becoming the first I-Cub to capture the award. He was quickly ushered to Chicago soon after where he subsequently tabbed his record-tying, 20-strikeout game in May. Only three pitchers in the history have accomplished this feat in a nine-inning game - Wood, Roger Clemens (2x) and Max Scherzer. Wood cruised to NL Rookie of the Year honors, going 13-6 with a 3.40 ERA.
Even with his success in Chicago, Wood's Iowa days weren't over. He would appear in six more games over four seasons (2000, '04-'06), posting a 6-3 career record with a 3.61 ERA (42ER/92.1IP), 67 walks and 123 strikeouts. Wood's rehab assignments in Des Moines in 2005 and 2006 were, at the time, the top-two crowds in Principal Park history and still remain in the top-12. He is one of only six players to appear in six or more seasons with Iowa.
Wood's career would lead him to All-Star selections in 2003 and 2008, while the right-hander would help the Cubs to four postseason appearances, with an additional run in 2010 with the Yankees. Wood retired in 2012, ending his career in Chicago, and remains active in the Cubs' organization, serving a Special Assistant to the President and General Manager.