Major League Baseball Pitcher
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Key moments and achievements from Wilbur Wood's life.
Wilbur was born
· Boston, Massachusetts, USA
Career Record
In 1968, Wilbur Wood set a record with 88 games pitched as a reliever for the Chicago White Sox, earning the Sporting News American League Fireman of the Year award. Under the tutelage of knuckleball specialist Hoyt Wilhelm, he had perfected the pitch that would define his career.
Career Record
In 1968, Wilbur Wood set a record with 88 games pitched as a reliever for the Chicago White Sox, earning the Sporting News American League Fireman of the Year award. Under the tutelage of knuckleball specialist Hoyt Wilhelm, he had perfected the pitch that would define his career.
Career Achievement
Wood won 20 or more games for four consecutive seasons (1971-1974), leading the American League in wins in 1972 and 1973 with 24 victories each year. From 1971 through 1975, he won 106 games for the White Sox, working an average of 336 innings per year.
Career Achievement
Wood won 20 or more games for four consecutive seasons (1971-1974), leading the American League in wins in 1972 and 1973 with 24 victories each year. From 1971 through 1975, he won 106 games for the White Sox, working an average of 336 innings per year.
Career Record
In 1972, Wood pitched a career-high 376.2 innings and started 49 games, both league-leading figures. The innings total broke the live-ball era record previously held by Mickey Lolich. His durability as a knuckleball pitcher was legendary — pitching coach Johnny Sain had him work on just two days' rest between starts.
Career Record
In 1972, Wood pitched a career-high 376.2 innings and started 49 games, both league-leading figures. The innings total broke the live-ball era record previously held by Mickey Lolich. His durability as a knuckleball pitcher was legendary — pitching coach Johnny Sain had him work on just two days' rest between starts.
All-Star Selection
Wood was selected as an American League All-Star three times during his career and finished in the top five of Cy Young Award voting in three consecutive seasons from 1971 to 1973. His 17-year MLB career (1961-1978) spanned the Red Sox, Pirates, and most significantly, the White Sox.
All-Star Selection
Wood was selected as an American League All-Star three times during his career and finished in the top five of Cy Young Award voting in three consecutive seasons from 1971 to 1973. His 17-year MLB career (1961-1978) spanned the Red Sox, Pirates, and most significantly, the White Sox.
Historic Achievement
On July 20, 1973, Wilbur Wood became the last pitcher in Major League Baseball history to start both games of a doubleheader. This remarkable feat of endurance exemplified his role as one of baseball's ultimate workhorse pitchers during the early 1970s.
Historic Achievement
On July 20, 1973, Wilbur Wood became the last pitcher in Major League Baseball history to start both games of a doubleheader. This remarkable feat of endurance exemplified his role as one of baseball's ultimate workhorse pitchers during the early 1970s.
Wilbur Wood passed away
