5/11/1998 Kerry Wood sets MLB consecutive game strikeout record, Cubs at Diamondbacks, Bank One Ballpark, Phoenix, AZ


 23 years ago today...

May 11, 1998 - Phoenix, AZ

At age 20, Chicago Cubs rookie pitcher Kerry Wood set a Major League Baseball record for stikeouts in consecutive games in a 4-2 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks at Bank One Ballpark.
This game against the expansion Diamondbacks in the team's debut season was only the fifth start in Wood's MLB career. In his previous start, Wood had struck out 20 Houston Astros in a one-hit complete game shutout still regarded as one of the most impressive performances ever by a pitcher. He added 13 more K's versus the Diamondbacks, setting the record for strikeouts in consecutive games pitched with 33.
Wood went on to win the Rookie of the Year Award in the National League.
As a life-long Cubs fan now holding season tickets for a new hometown team in its first year in existence in a new retractable roof stadium, I had mixed emotions in watching this history-making event.
Kerry autographed the photo to me during a trade show promotional appearance during spring training that season.



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