Chicago Cubs: The Heroes of Wrigley Series presents Kerry Wood

Chicago Cubs: Not what was expected, but still remains a legend

Wood pitched his final two seasons in a Cubs uniform.  In 2011, he was consistent out of the pen, posting a 3.35 ERA in 55 appearances.

By early 2012, it was clear that Wood just didn’t have “it” anymore.

After giving up the game-winning runs in the eighth inning of a May 8 loss against Atlanta, he tossed his glove into the stands in frustration, signifying that he was indeed done.

The 35-year old confirmed this after the game in a press conference as he didn’t want to hold the team back if he didn’t have the ability to contribute like he used to.

10 days later, in a crosstown matchup with the Chicago White Sox at Wrigley Field, Wood entered the game, in what would be his final scheduled appearance, a farewell for the many memories he shared with Cubs fans.

He would only work one batter to end the inning, but fittingly enough, it was a strikeout.

As I look back on Kerry Wood’s career, I don’t think about what could’ve been.  I think back to when I first starting watching baseball and how on that one faithful sick day in May of 1998, he made me fall deeply in love with the game of baseball.  I have Kerry Wood to thank for this and, like many fans who had the privilege of watching him over the years, even if it felt like short, fleeting moment, he is a true Hero of Wrigley.