Kerry Wood's Legendary 20-Strikeout Game: An Oral History
'What even is that pitch?' An oral history of Kerr...
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On May 6, 1998, Kerry Wood, then a 20-year-old pitcher for the Chicago Cubs, delivered a historic performance against the Houston Astros, striking out 20 batters in a single game. Despite a rainy day and a low-energy start, Wood achieved the highest game score in baseball history, leaving a lasting legacy in Wrigley Field history.
- 01Kerry Wood struck out 20 batters, achieving the highest game score in baseball history.
- 02Wood's performance included a dynamic fastball and an unhittable slurve.
- 03Astros players were baffled by Wood's pitches, noting his electric fastball and impressive movement.
- 04The game was played in front of just 15,758 fans due to rainy weather.
- 05Wood's achievement is often compared to legendary performances, including Sandy Koufax's perfect game.
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On May 6, 1998, Kerry Wood, a 20-year-old pitcher for the Chicago Cubs, delivered an unforgettable performance against the Houston Astros, striking out 20 batters and achieving the highest game score in baseball history. Despite feeling sluggish and struggling during warm-ups, Wood's fastball and slurve proved to be unhittable, leading to a historic game at Wrigley Field. Current Cubs pitchers Jon Lester and Kyle Hendricks, along with former Astros player Craig Biggio, reflected on the game, highlighting the electric nature of Wood's pitches and the challenges they posed. The match was played in poor weather, with only 15,758 fans attending, yet Wood's dominance left a lasting impression. His feat is often compared to other legendary performances, solidifying his place in baseball history. After the game, Wood was unaware he had tied the record for strikeouts until moments after the final out, showcasing the intensity and excitement of that day.
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