Retired Cubs ace Kerry Wood confirms that he’s headed to the team’s front office.

Written by  //  May 20, 2012  //  MLB, News  //  3 Comments

CHICAGO- For a pitcher that at one point delivered some of the hottest stuff that the MLB has seen over the past 15 years, Kerry Wood seemed to be one step away from immortality.

His career runs semi-parallel to the NFL’s Dan Marino in the sense that he was physically gifted, did some amazing thing and sputtered out down the last leg of his career only to never win a championship.




That won’t stop him from being remembered as one of the team’s greatest and as such he’s on his way to life in front office.

After his official retirement ceremony at Wrigley field on Saturday Cubs president Theo Epstein spoke to the Chicago Sun Times about handing Wood the keys to a corner office.

‘‘Those discussions started last year,’’ Epstein said. ‘‘We talked about it last year, what player development looks like, scouting, the front office. And, obviously, he still has a role to play in the community. But right now, he has to take time to just be a dad. . . . When the time is right, we’ll talk about it.’’

Wood confirmed that he will return to the organization ‘‘I’m not real concerned about it. I think they know I want to be here. I think they want me to be around. So we’ll get to that point.’’

The way it sounds that point won’t materialize this season.  When it does, will Wood be simply a face that the team parades in front of the public or will he be a true decision maker in Epstein’s administration?

 

Twitt

About the Author

Adrian Glover is Players View's Editor-In-Chief. He has spent his days as a newspaper columnist,magazine editor, freelance writer and as somebody's father. Follow him on Twitter at @playersview. Email him:adriangregoryglover@gmail.com

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  • Brandon

    The only thing w/ that Marino comparison is that Marino played for a team that had won championships – multiple ones – AND won them with the coach that was there for most of his career in Miami.

    The Cubs on the other hand…….

  • http://TnOldSchool Mike Holt

    Erine Banks will always be “Mr CUB”. With the passing of Ron Santo and Billy Williams’s age, with all do respect to him. Kerry Wood because of the obvious LOVE for Chicago and “Cub Fans” would be my choice as a life long “Cubbie” to pick up and carry our banner as “Mr Cub”.Kerry,s character on and off the field is spotless who wouldn’t be proud to call him your friend or neighbor,a perfect example of “Class and Respect” to young and old alike. Yes sir, we Cub fans will always have a place in our hearts of thanks and love for Mr. Kerry Wood this generation’s “MR. CUB”. Lets Play Two Ernie!

  • tmx

    I don’t understand all the hoopla over this guy? Sure, he had a great 20 strikeout game but he was more of a dissapointment than anything. To me he was someone along with Mark Prior that was going to help bring a championship to Chicago and it never happened. What he had was a few good seasons and more injuries I can ‘t count. Don’t tell me he was better than Bruce Sutter or Lee Smith. If they ever put a statue of Kerry Wood or retire his number I will be a lifelong Sox fan. Personally, when it comes to signing autographs he blows. I had a front row seat in Wrigley with my 11 year old and he asked for an autograph when he walked by and looked at my son and shook his head no. Now, I miss Ron Santo, he was a great fan and player and I was lucky to watch him and Billy Williams and Ernie Banks. Back in the day the players would sign autographs before the games and now these Millionaire players don’t have the time. So basically Kerry Wood can kis my ass!

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