Wilbur Wood
struggled early in his career with the Boston Red Sox, and Pittsburgh Pirates. After
being traded to the Chicago White Sox, he took Hoyt Wilhem’s advice to rely on
his knuckleball. It would launch his career. In 1968, he set a then major league
record of 88 appearances.
In 1971, Wood
was moved to the starting rotation, and delivered with four consecutive 20 game
win seasons. He would lead the American League in wins in 1972-73, and was an
American League all-star in 1971-1972, and 1974. His career was derailed in 1976, when a line
drive from the bat of Ron LeFlore shattered his left kneecap. After returning
from his injury in 1977, he wasn’t as effective with his knuckleball, and
retired after the 1978 season. He finished his career with a 164-156 won-loss
record, and an ERA of 3.24.
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