"My Right Arm" - a Kerry Wood article

by hellfreezesoverwaittillnextyear on Jun 20, 2007 3:49 AM CDT

by Buzz Bissinger, NY Times, June 3, 2007 appeared in the NYT Play Magazine section:

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/03/sports/playmagazine/0603play-wood.html?ex=1339560000&en=1b7292 1630385363&ei=5124&partner=permalink&exprod=permalink

(Buzz Bissinger is also the author of "Friday Night Lights" and "Three Nights in August")

After reading this article that reviews the tragic history of Kerry Wood's career and slim prospect of ever pitching again in MLB, I again am reminded of Dr. Mike Marshall's "injurious free" scientific-based approach to pitching that is largely rejected by MLB, as well as so-called experts in mechanics like Tom House (Mark Prior's early pitching "guru").

According to this article, there is plenty of "blame" to go around - too much to believe that Kerry Wood will ever find himself fulfilling his hope and promise to return to MLB pitching.

Even Dusty Baker is cited as having raised early concerns about Kerry Wood's mechanics, with the Cubs organization ignoring his concern. The "killer" story for me involved Steve Stone's talk with Andy McPhail, in which he clearly predicts future surgeries and significant DL time; and Andy McPhail (according to the author) does not recall Steve Stone's warnings/conversation!

Is there any doubt that the Cubs need new ownership/management, and MLB needs to begin exploring the existing science of pitching mechanics?! Apparently financial waste is an accepted practice with many MLB teams; however, the tragedy of crushing and debilitating pain, suffering, and emotional distress to promising pitching prospects should not be part of their money formula, especially when this is preventable!

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of SB Nation or Al Yellon, managing editor (unless it's a FanPost posted by Al). FanPost opinions are valued expressions of opinion by passionate and knowledgeable baseball fans.

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Comments

We discussed this...

... in this diary when the magazine article first came out.

But, we can certainly do it again.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on Jun 20, 2007 3:54 AM CDT reply actions

Sorry Al

I missed the original diary post. Please delete my current diary if you like. The pitching injury stats are horrendous, and should make parents think twice before allowing their son or daughter to be "coached" by just anyone who claims to know how to instruct properly!

SOMEDAY…

If they won a world championship, sure, we'd be proud. But we couldn't love them any more than we already do –anon. Cub fan

by hellfreezesoverwaittillnextyear on Jun 20, 2007 4:02 AM CDT up reply actions

No, I'll leave this here...

... it's been a couple of weeks, and this IS an important topic.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on Jun 20, 2007 4:05 AM CDT up reply actions

It's rare that I am sympathetic

to pro athletes who make millions for throwing a ball.

But I have to say, I've always loved Kerry Wood. That article is really tragic. I sure hope he can come back.

by nickler on Jun 20, 2007 6:58 AM CDT reply actions

I'm not sure how 'tragic' it is

Nine guys killed in a fire in South Carolina? That's tragic.

What happened to Wood is sad.

by Not Bruce Froemming on Jun 20, 2007 8:07 AM CDT reply actions

My bad.

Of course you're right. Not tragic. Just sad. Like I said, I really do like the guy.

by nickler on Jun 20, 2007 11:20 AM CDT up reply actions

I remember reading this

It's a well writen article about a very unfortunate series of events.

as a side note the title of this diary totally sounds like a title for an episode of Scrubs

AC 00 00 00 - BELIEVE

by mike @ Bleed Cubbie Blue on Jun 20, 2007 8:31 AM CDT reply actions

Buzz Bissinger is awesome

Very few sports writers can capture the mindset and dangers of being a modern athlete, great read.

One of Us!One Of Us!

by HerrProf on Jun 20, 2007 9:12 AM CDT reply actions

what's sad is...

the fact the cubs contributed to wood's demise by pitching him way too many innings at a very young age and by letting him snap that curve off too much!!

by cubz409 on Jun 20, 2007 5:43 PM CDT reply actions