Former Chicago White Sox star pitcher Wilbur Wood has died, the organization has announced. He was 84 years old.
A lefty, Wood’s career took off after he became a knuckleball pitcher.
The Massachusetts native also played for the Red Sox and Pirates during his Major League Baseball career.
“The White Sox send our condolences to the family, friends and fans of 3x All-Star Wilbur Wood, who has passed away at the age of 84,” the White Sox posted on X. “Wood appeared in 578 games (286 starts) over 12 seasons with the White Sox from 1967-1978.”
Wilbur Wood started his career in Boston in 1961, before landing with the Pirates in 1964. He then joined the White Sox for the 1967 season and blossomed into one of the top pitchers in baseball.
Wood made the MLB All-Star game in 1971, 1972 and 1974, and he led the American League in wins in 1972 and 1973.
Wilbur Wood finished his career with a 164-156 record. He appeared in 651 games across 17 MLB seasons, making 297 starts.
Wood had a 3.24 ERA and struck out 1,411 batters in 2,684 career innings pitched.
His best season came in 1971 when he went 22-13 with a 1.91 ERA.