Kerry Wood is a former Major League Baseball pitcher who played for the Chicago Cubs, Cleveland Indians, and New York Yankees during his career. He was known for his powerful fastball and devastating curveball, which helped him strike out batters at an impressive rate.
Wood was drafted by the Cubs in 1995 and made his debut in 1998, quickly establishing himself as one of the most dominant pitchers in the league. In just his fifth career start, he famously struck out 20 batters in a game against the Houston Astros, tying the record for most strikeouts in a nine-inning game.
Over the course of his career, Wood battled injuries and inconsistency, but he remained a fan favorite for his fierce competitiveness and his willingness to pitch through pain. He was named to the All-Star team twice and finished in the top five in Cy Young Award voting in 2003.
In 2008, Wood signed with the Indians and transitioned to a relief role, where he found renewed success as a closer. He saved 20 games in his first season as a closer and was named the American League Comeback Player of the Year.
After stints with the Yankees and the Cubs, Wood retired from baseball in 2012 with a career record of 86-75 and a 3.67 ERA. He ranks second on the Cubs' all-time strikeout list and is remembered as one of the most dominant pitchers of his era.
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