Kerry Wood Strikes Out The Final Hitter Of His Career

Kerry Wood announced his retirement earlier Friday, but it wasn't the standard announcement. Wood was still on the active Cubs roster, and the word was that he was going to make one final appearance in front of a Wrigley Field crowd.

After Jeff Samardzija allowed a solo home run and a walk in the top of the eighth inning, Cubs manager Dale Sveum brought Wood in to face Dayan Viciedo. After striking Viciedo out on three pitches, Wood was removed from the game, leaving to a standing ovation:

Wood came out for a curtain call, tipping his cap. Cubs announcer Bob Brenly rejoined the broadcast booth after a short time, saying "this stuff always gets me. You rarely see a guy get to go out on his own terms."

Wood finished with 341 games in a Cubs uniform, good for 13th in team history, just behind ... Kyle Farnsworth? Well, that just seems odd.

The Grandeur And Disappointment Of Kerry Wood

Kerry Wood is calling it a career, and, what a career. What a tremendous career, and what a disappointing career. Kerry Wood leaves us in an awkward position.

Revisiting Kerry Wood's 20-Strikeout Game

Kerry Wood is retiring, which gives us a great excuse to gawk at his 20-strikeout game for the rest of the day.

Kerry Wood Will Pitch 1 More Game In Cubs' Uniform

One-time phenom and 15-year veteran Kerry Wood is going to retire this week, but not before he appears in one last game with the Chicago Cubs.

Kerry Wood wants 1 more ML appearance, and then expected to announce retirement. However, it could be today or tmrw or Sunday. #Cubs

— Carrie Muskat (@CarrieMuskat) May 18, 2012

The 35-year-old Wood sent 13 of his 15 seasons with the Cubs, appearing in 340 games and making 178 starts. His last game with the Cubs will probably be a touching scene with standing ovations, hat-tipping, and more than a few tears. That's "tears" as in the salty drops of water that are discharged from eye sockets, not labrums or ligaments.

Wood does not have to make the start on Friday, according to Patrick Mooney. The Cubs will work him in as the game allows over the next three days. He also has 666 career walks, which probably means something.

Cubs' Kerry Wood Will Announce Retirement

The Cubs' No. 1 draft pick in 1995, who came to stardom by striking out 20 Astros in his fifth major-league start, is retiring.