The Chicago White Sox have had many legends in their history, but none can compare to White Sox icon Wilbur Wood, who sadly passed away Sunday, Jan. 18. According to the White Sox on X, the three-time All-Star was 84.
More News: Chicago White Sox sign 8-year veteran pitcher to minor league deal
Along with being named an All-Star, Wood finished in the top five for the Cy Young award three times, with his highest finish being second in 1972 (24-17, 2.51 ERA). Wood also pitched over 300.0 innings four times in his career (1971-74), with 376.2 innings being his career high.
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.
Wood appeared in 578 games (286 starts) over 12 seasons with the White Sox from 1967-1978. pic.twitter.com/cFU4IZlohI
— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) January 19, 2026
Wilbur Wood was not just an icon for the Chicago White Sox, but for Major League Baseball
Born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Wood made his major league debut on June 30, 1961, with the Boston Red Sox as a 19-year-old. While facing the then-Cleveland Indians, Wood showed what made him a great major leaguer, pitching four innings, striking out three, allowing three hits, one walk, and allowing two earned runs.
Wood would eventually make his way to the White Sox in 1966 after bouncing from the Red Sox to the Pittsburgh Pirates when the Pirates traded Wood to the Sox for pitcher Juan Pizarro. Wood would then spend the rest of his career (12 seasons, 1967-78) with the White Sox, going 163-148 with a 3.18 ERA and striking out 1,322 batters.
What made Wood so unique in his career, and what gave him the longevity he had (17 seasons), was his ability to master the ever-elusive knuckleball. Wood was the most notable left-handed knuckleballer the game has seen, with the rest being right-handed.
Chicago White Sox star on list of potential trade candidates ahead of 2026 season
Read MoreFor More Great Chicago Sports Content
Get the latest Chicago sports news, analysis, and breaking stories on the Bears, Bulls, Blackhawks, Cubs, White Sox, Sky, and more! Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News, so you never miss a story on your favorite Chicago teams.
Follow us on Twitter at @chicitysports23 for more great content. We appreciate you taking time to read our articles. To interact more with our community and keep up to date on the latest in Chicago sports news, JOIN OUR FREE FACEBOOK GROUP by CLICKING HERE
