Kerry Wood strikes out 20 Houston Astros to tie the major league record held by Roger Clemens. He threw a one-hitter and did not walk a batter in his fifth career start.

Kerry Lee Wood, born on June 16, 1977, is a distinguished American former professional baseball pitcher who graced Major League Baseball (MLB) for 14 seasons. His career saw him don the uniforms of some of baseball's most iconic franchises: the Chicago Cubs, the Cleveland Indians, and the New York Yankees. Wood's journey in the big leagues was marked by moments of unparalleled brilliance, formidable power, and persistent challenges.

The Phenomenal Debut and "Kid K"

Wood's name first echoed throughout the baseball world as a remarkable 20-year-old rookie. On May 6, 1998, he delivered a pitching performance that etched itself into MLB lore: a one-hit shutout against the formidable Houston Astros, in which he recorded an astounding 20 strikeouts. This masterful display, achieved against a potent lineup, is frequently debated among baseball connoisseurs as potentially the greatest single-game pitching performance in the sport's long history. The game not only secured Wood a place in the record books as a co-holder of the MLB record for strikeouts in a single nine-inning game but also earned him the enduring moniker "Kid K," a testament to his youth and prodigious strikeout ability. His exceptional rookie campaign culminated in him being rightfully named the 1998 National League Rookie of the Year, signaling the arrival of a truly special talent.

Dominance, Injuries, and a Career Transformation

Following his spectacular debut, Wood continued to showcase his dominant pitching arsenal. He managed to record over 200 strikeouts in four of his first five seasons, reaching a career-high of 266 strikeouts in 2003, further solidifying his place in MLB strikeout records. However, the immense power he generated often came at a cost. Wood's career was unfortunately marred by a series of debilitating injuries, which became a recurring theme throughout his time in the majors. He found himself on the disabled list a staggering 14 times over his 14 major league seasons, a testament to the physical toll his pitching style took on his body. The most significant of these setbacks was the Tommy John surgery he underwent, which forced him to miss the entirety of the 1999 season.

In 2007, in an effort to manage the physical strain and prolong his career, Wood made a pivotal transition from a starting pitcher to a relief pitcher. This strategic move proved to be a career revitalizer, as he successfully reinvented himself as an elite closer, utilizing his powerful fastball and devastating curveball in shorter bursts. Despite the injury struggles, Wood's talent and perseverance were recognized twice when he was named an MLB All-Star, highlighting his impact on the game in different roles.

Retirement

After a storied career filled with both dazzling highs and challenging lows, Kerry Wood announced his retirement from baseball on May 18, 2012, following a slow start to that season. He left behind a legacy defined by raw talent, an unforgettable rookie season, and remarkable resilience in the face of adversity.

The Houston Astros: A Journey Through Baseball History

The Houston Astros are an American professional baseball team with a rich and storied history, based in the vibrant city of Houston, Texas. As a member club of Major League Baseball (MLB), the Astros currently compete in the American League (AL) West division, a transition they made in 2013 after spending their initial 51 seasons in the National League (NL).

Origins and Evolution of a Franchise

The team's journey began in 1962, when they were established as the Houston Colt .45s, joining the National League as an expansion team alongside the New York Mets. This era marked a significant moment for baseball, bringing the sport to new markets. Just three years later, in 1965, the club underwent a significant rebranding. Reflecting Houston's pivotal role as the host of the Johnson Space Center and the nation's burgeoning space industry, the team adopted its current, iconic name: the "Astros." This renaming coincided with their move into the magnificent Astrodome, a groundbreaking architectural marvel that became the world's first domed sports stadium, famously dubbed the "Eighth Wonder of the World." In a continued evolution of their home ground, the Astros moved to their current state-of-the-art facility, Minute Maid Park, in 2000.

The Astros' divisional alignments also saw several changes over the years. They competed in the NL West division from 1969 to 1993, then shifted to the NL Central division from 1994 to 2012. The notable realignment in 2013 saw them move to the American League West, a significant change that recalibrated traditional rivalries and brought new challenges.

Milestones, Modern Dominance, and Controversy

The Astros' early years were a period of growth and development. They achieved their first winning record in 1972 and made their inaugural playoff appearance in 1980, signaling their increasing competitiveness. A significant milestone arrived in 2005 when the team made its first-ever World Series appearance, though they were ultimately swept by the Chicago White Sox.

The following decade marked a transformative period for the franchise. Embracing sabermetrics and pioneering new analytical technologies in the early 2010s, the Astros evolved from a middling franchise into one of MLB's most dominant and successful clubs. This analytical approach led to unprecedented success, including winning over 100 games in three consecutive seasons. This era culminated in the team's first World Series championship in 2017, a dramatic seven-game victory against the Los Angeles Dodgers, a triumph celebrated in the wake of Hurricane Harvey. Though they fell to the Boston Red Sox in the 2018 ALCS, the Astros returned to the World Series in 2019, showcasing an all-time great regular season, but ultimately lost to the Washington Nationals in another thrilling seven-game series.

However, this period of success was overshadowed by controversy. On January 13, 2020, a thorough investigation confirmed a sign-stealing scheme employed by the Astros during their 2017 World Series campaign. This led to significant repercussions, including one-year suspensions for manager A. J. Hinch and general manager Jeff Luhnow, both of whom were subsequently fired. Dusty Baker was announced as the new manager on January 29, 2020, and James Click as the new general manager on February 3, 2020, tasked with guiding the team forward. During the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, despite posting a losing record, the Astros remarkably qualified for the playoffs, making a deep run to their fourth consecutive American League Championship Series. They overcame the Minnesota Twins and their division rival Oakland Athletics before ultimately falling to the Tampa Bay Rays in a historically tight seven-game ALCS, becoming only the second team in baseball history to rebound from an 0-3 series deficit. In 2021, the Astros continued their strong performance, securing the American League West title for the fourth time in five seasons with 95 wins. They then triumphed over the Boston Red Sox in six games in the 2021 American League Championship Series, earning their third World Series appearance in five seasons—a remarkable pennant win-rate not witnessed in nearly a decade. In the World Series, they were defeated by the Atlanta Braves in six games.

As of the end of the 2021 season, the Houston Astros' all-time record stood at 4,725 wins and 4,764 losses, for a winning percentage of .498.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kerry Wood and the Houston Astros

Who is Kerry Wood?
Kerry Lee Wood is an American former professional baseball pitcher who played 14 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Chicago Cubs, Cleveland Indians, and New York Yankees. He is most famous for his dominant strikeout performances and his legendary rookie season.
What was Kerry Wood's most famous game?
Kerry Wood's most famous game occurred on May 6, 1998, as a rookie with the Chicago Cubs. He recorded 20 strikeouts in a one-hit shutout against the Houston Astros, a performance many consider to be among the greatest single-game pitching efforts in MLB history. This game also earned him the nickname "Kid K."
How many teams did Kerry Wood play for?
Kerry Wood played for three MLB teams during his career: the Chicago Cubs, the Cleveland Indians, and the New York Yankees.
What is the origin of the Houston Astros' name?
The Houston Astros were originally established as the Houston Colt .45s in 1962. In 1965, the team changed its name to the Astros, reflecting Houston's prominent role in the space industry as the host of the Johnson Space Center. This change coincided with their move into the Astrodome, a futuristic domed stadium.
When did the Houston Astros win their first World Series?
The Houston Astros won their first World Series championship in 2017, defeating the Los Angeles Dodgers in a dramatic seven-game series.
What was the Houston Astros' sign-stealing scandal?
The Houston Astros' sign-stealing scandal involved the illegal use of technology to decipher opposing teams' pitching signs during their 2017 World Series campaign. This led to significant penalties from MLB, including suspensions for their manager and general manager, who were subsequently fired.
Which league division do the Houston Astros currently play in?
The Houston Astros currently compete in Major League Baseball's American League (AL) West division, a division they moved to in 2013 after spending their first 51 seasons in the National League (NL).