Kerry Wood formally announces retirement

Chicago, IL – Chicago Cubs pitcher Kerry Wood formally announced his retirement during a ceremony Saturday afternoon at Wrigley Field.

Speaking with his ex-teammates behind him, Wood recalled the players and other individuals that made his long career possible.

Wood thanked many individuals, including his wife Sarah and his father along with former managers Jim Riggleman and Dusty Baker. He also mentioned the late Ron Santo for "teaching me what it meant to be a Cub."

The right-hander's final appearance as a player came Friday afternoon in a 3-2 loss to the White Sox. He needed just three pitches to strike out outfielder Dayan Viciedo before being lifted from the game to a standing ovation.

"There are tremendous things happening here on the north side with this staff and this management," Wood said during Saturday's ceremony. "I'm excited for the future and I'm excited to watch what these guys are going to be capable of doing.

The 34-year-old Wood, who was the 1998 NL Rookie of the Year, returned to the Cubs in January after agreeing to a one-year contract. He was 3-5 with a 3.35 ERA in 55 relief appearances last season and ends his career with a mark of 86-75 with a 3.67 ERA and 63 saves over 446 games (178 starts), having also pitched for the Indians and Yankees.

"There are great things going on here in the north side," Wood said. "I was very blessed to be a part of it for 14 years and I'll continue to watch and continue to be a part of it. I was always a Cub, I've always been a Cub and I'll always continue to be a Cub."