Wilbur Wood, Legendary Knuckleballer, Dies at 84

Wilbur Wood, a towering figure in Major League Baseball history, passed away Saturday in Burlington, Massachusetts, at the age of 84. Known for his knuckleball mastery and incredible endurance, Wood was widely regarded as the best knuckleball pitcher of all time.

Though the cause of death has not been officially reported as of Sunday evening, Wood’s legacy as one of the game’s most unique and durable pitchers remains cemented in the annals of baseball history.

A Unique Career Path

Wood’s career spanned 17 years, with notable stints with the Boston Red Sox (1961-64), Pittsburgh Pirates (1964-65), and most famously, the Chicago White Sox (1967-78). He was a left-handed pitcher who initially found success as a relief pitcher but went on to redefine his career in a way that few pitchers ever have.

Initially, Wood struggled to make a significant impact with the Red Sox and Pirates. His real breakthrough came after joining the White Sox, when he began to develop and refine the knuckleball, a pitch that would eventually become his signature.

Wood made history in 1968, when he appeared in a modern-day major league record 88 games as a relief pitcher. While this mark was broken by Wayne Granger of the Cincinnati Reds the following year (who appeared in 90 games), Wood’s achievement still remains one of the highest single-season totals by a relief pitcher in MLB history. His 88 appearances are still tied for 15th-most in a single season.

Transformation to a Starting Pitcher

From 1968 to 1970, Wood earned 52 saves, showcasing his versatility and effectiveness as a reliever. But it was in 1971 when he was transitioned into a starting role that his career truly took off. Wood responded with an extraordinary 22-13 record and a 1.91 ERA, earning his first All-Star selection.

However, it was in 1972 that Wood achieved the most astonishing feat of his career. He pitched an incredible 376 2/3 innings, a total that stands as the most innings ever pitched in a season by a starter in the live ball era (since 1920). It also marked the highest total in the American League since Ed Walsh threw 393 innings in 1912. To this day, Wood’s innings total remains an unrivaled achievement for starting pitchers in the modern era.

In 1972, Wood posted an outstanding 24-17 record and finished second in Cy Young voting, also finishing seventh in MVP voting. His 49 starts that season were the most in the American League since Ed Walsh in 1908, and helped him earn All-Star honors for the second time.

A Career Built on Durability

Wood’s 1973 season mirrored his 1972 performance as he again won 24 games and earned All-Star honors. He continued to be a dominant force for the White Sox, leading the league in wins in both 1972 and 1973.

Perhaps most famously, in 1973, Wood started both games of a doubleheader against the New York Yankees on July 20. While he took the loss in both games, he remains the most recent pitcher in modern history to start both halves of a doubleheader — an enduring testament to his stamina and willingness to take the ball no matter the circumstances.

Wood finished his career with a 164-156 record, 114 complete games, 24 shutouts, and 57 saves. His career ERA stood at 3.24, with his 651 games (including 297 starts) providing a unique snapshot of a pitcher whose durability and versatility set him apart from his peers.

Honors and Recognition

Wood’s achievements did not go unnoticed. In 1968, he was named The Sporting News Fireman of the Year after his dominant relief work. In 1972, he was also recognized as The Sporting News AL Pitcher of the Year, further solidifying his place among the top pitchers of his era.

Despite a career that was often overshadowed by flashier, more modern pitchers, Wood’s contributions to the game were groundbreaking. His ability to throw countless innings, year after year, and his mastery of the knuckleball paved the way for future generations of pitchers who sought to stay in the game longer by relying on the craftiness of this elusive pitch.

Remembering Wilbur Wood

Wood’s legacy extends beyond just the statistics. His durability, his knuckleball mastery, and his willingness to take the ball every time his manager called on him made him a unique and cherished figure in the history of baseball. Wood’s career will always be remembered as a model of endurance, determination, and skill.

As baseball mourns his loss, we remember Wilbur Wood not just for his stats but for his unwavering commitment to the game, his rare ability to defy the modern understanding of a pitcher’s workload, and for his impact on the knuckleball’s place in baseball.

Rest in peace, Wilbur Wood, the knuckleball king who set a standard for pitching durability that remains unmatched in Major League Baseball.