Earlier this week, and about a quietly as possible, a legend
hung up his spikes for good. If you’re
unsure of who I’m talking about, I urge direct your attention to this video. In only his fifth Major League start, Kerry
Wood struck out 20 batters, equaling his age, giving up only one infield hit in
a complete game shutout. He is the 2nd
pitcher in MLB history to strike out his age, after Bob Feller at the age of 17,
and third pitcher to strike out 20 in a game after Roger Clemens and Randy
Johnson. According to the Bill James model
of pitching performance, Wood’s gem was the greatest game ever pitched, and it’s
not even close. Keep in mind that this
was against the Astros, who, at the time, were one of the best hitting teams in
the league, led by Jeff Bagwell, Craig Biggio, and Moises Alou. The Astros lineup was absolutely overpowered
by Wood’s mix of heat and whiffle-ball like off speed pitches. Unfortunately
for Cubs nation and baseball fans everywhere, Wood’s career began to unravel
not long after this dominating performance.
