Guide Note:

Kerry Wood is a right-handed relief pitcher who has played his entire ten-year Major League career for the Chicago Cubs.

Fast Facts:

1. Born: June 16, 1977
2. Birthplace: Irving, Texas
3. Made MLB debut with the Chicago Cubs
4. Fastest pitcher in Major League Baseball history to reach 1000 strikeouts
5. Tied record for most strikeouts in nine innings
6. 1999: Had Tommy John surgery

Few pitchers in baseball history excited fans as much in their rookie season as Kerry Wood. In 1998, he made his Major League debut with the Cubs and quickly established himself as a pitcher of exceptional promise. In his fifth career start, he struck out 20 batters—tying a National League record—and gave up only one hit. The performance broke the record for most strikeouts by a rookie. He finished the year at 13-6, struck out 233 batters, and won the NL Rookie of the Year award.

However, Wood would endure a series of injuries over the next nine years that would severely reduce his playing time. After missing the last month of the 1998 season with elbow soreness, he sat out the entire 1999 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery. However, between 2001 and 2003, Wood was a reliable starter, winning 12 or more games and striking out more than 200 each year. But between 2004 and 2006, Wood struggled with injuries to his knee, triceps, and recurrent elbow soreness.

In 2007, Wood moved to the bullpen to reduce strain on his elbow, and in 2008 he became the Cubs closer. By May, Wood had already recorded seven saves and seemed to be headed to a solid season.