According to ESPNChicago.com, Chicago Cubs pitcher Kerry Wood called it quits Friday.
Sure, it’s not Earth shattering news, but when a veteran ballplayer just up and quits…it’s worth mentioning.
The big righty hit the scene in 1998 with all the promise in the world. In just his fifth start, “Kid K” matched Rogers Clemens’ record of 20 strikeouts in a game. He’d wind up making two All-Star game appearances with the Northsiders.
A lot of time has passed between then and now, however.
The 34-year-old has struggled out of the Cubs bullpen this season, giving up eight runs and walking 11 in just over eight innings of work.
“It’s one of those things,” Cubs manager Dale Sveum said of the reliever. “The ball is coming out of his hand well, but (he issues) four-pitch walks right away.”
So, what’s next? Could a move to the broadcast booth be in the flamethrower’s future?
When Wood re-joined the Cubs prior to the 2011 campaign, rumors swirled that the deal included a job with the organization upon retirement. Initially, it was reported that team chairman Tom Ricketts had promised Wood the gig.
But, soon after, Wood himself squashed the idea.
“That is completely untrue,” the pitcher told the Chicago Tribune. “I have no interest in broadcasting when my playing days are over. That has never been something that I saw myself doing.”
My guess, dude walks away. Quietly. His record during his tenure with the Cubs was pretty decent, so, yeah…he’s probably got a trip to the broadcast booth in his future. But, something tells me he’ll be singing…not delivering commentary.
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