Kerry Wood Day

Have you been inspired by someone you’ve never met?

We’re still celebrating graduations this week, but I want to interrupt to recognize a special anniversary.

It was 27 years ago today that Kerry Wood struck out 20 opponents in a single game.

If you’re a Cubs fan you know exactly what I’m talking about. It’s an amazing feat.

If you aren’t a Cubs fan or a baseball fan, you already stopped reading this but in case you’re still here – thank you! – and I bring this up for a reason.

Wood was only 20 years old when he did this during his rookie year. He would go on to play for 14 seasons, and it’s pretty safe to say he experienced his career high point in only his fifth game, mere days into his first season.

As a Cubs fan, I’ll always be a fan of Kerry Wood, and cherish the thrill of watching the last 2 innings or so of that game.

Wood enjoyed a long career but suffered many injuries, including some during that first season.

When his body would no longer allow him to throw the number of innings that a starting pitcher had to toss, he became a solid relief pitcher. He finished his career back with the Cubs in 2012, striking out one last batter and then greeting his son right there on the field, all to a standing ovation. That might have been the high point, too.

I want to share a couple of other thoughts based on this event:

– You are never too young to do great things… but don’t peak too early

– The best way to prove yourself is simply to do what you need to do

– All kinds of bad luck (and injuries) can happen to anyone. Be prepared and be ready to pivot if you must

– Always remember to celebrate with people who are special to you

What lessons have you learned those you admire, even if you never met them?

Please share.

See you tomorrow!

#Inspiration #LessonsLearned #RoleModels #CareerResilience #PersonalGrowth #KerryWood #Cubs