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• Kerry Wood is a right-handed relief pitcher for the of the Chicago Cubs of Major League Baseball.

  On December 13, 2008, Wood signed a two-year contract worth a reported $20.5 million with the Cleveland Indians.ESPN.com: Indians Sign Closer Wood

• 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
  7. 2008: Released from the Cubs

• Rookie Season

  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.

• Injuries and Setbacks

  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.

• Transition to Reliever

  In 2007, Wood moved to the bullpen to reduce strain on his elbow, and in 2008, he became the Cubs closer. Wood saved 34 of 40 games and served up a mid-90s mph fastball in the 2008 season.ESPN: Wood ... says leaving team is 'bittersweet' (November 14, 2008)

• 2008 Offseason

  In November 2008, the Cubs acquired relief pitcher Kevin Gregg from the Florida Marlins and let Wood become a free agent. General manager Jim Henry said that the team was not able to afford the kind of contract that Wood deserved.ESPN.com: Cubs close door on Wood after trading for Gregg (November 13, 2008)

• Related Pages on Mahalo

  Chicago Cubs | Cubs Playoffs | Mark Prior | Sammy Sosa | Wrigley Field | Roger Clemens | Carlos Zambrano | Derrek Lee | Aramis Ramirez | Alfonso Soriano | Lou Piniella | Randy Johnson | Cubs Dodgers

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