On This Day in 2012: Kerry Wood Records Final K

Kerry Wood began his MLB career with a Rookie of the Year campaign and a record-tying 20 strikeout game in 1998 in just his fifth career start. He would record over 200 strikeouts in four of his first five seasons and led the majors with 266 punchouts in 2003, one of two All-Star seasons for the beloved former Cub.

However, his career was derailed by numerous injuries, leading to a transition to the bullpen in 2007. Wood managed to play during five more seasons, but hung up his cleats after a final appearance on this day in 2012. He finished his career with a record of 86-75 and 1,582 strikeouts.

“Kid K” faced only one batter, Dayán Viciedo, posting a three-pitch strikeout in the eighth inning of the Cubs’ 3-2 loss to the Chicago White Sox. It seems that the bench coach Jamie Quirk, who took over management of the game following Dale Sveum‘s ejection, sought to help Wood end his career on a fitting note, as Viciedo was a likely strikeout candidate.

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