http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080920&content_id=3515118&vkey=news_chc&fext=.jsp&c_id=chc

and + 1 gazillion on the Kerry Wood is a class act.

Kerry Wood has ALWAYS been a class act. What a great guy to have on OUR team.

Kind of a shame that he and Ryno never got a chance to be on the same team. Two of the finest gentlemen to ever wear Cubbie blue, and both have carried on the tradition of class and sportsmanship from Ernie Banks and Billy Williams.

The “honor” of catching the first pitch usually goes to whatever guy has low senority and can’t get out of it. Woody must have volunteered to do it.

On the WGN-AM postgame, he talked to Cory Provus and Pat Hughes like they were co-workers of his. Also cool. Helps to put the Stone mess in the rearview mirror – both sides handled that poorly.

Kerry Wood is the definition of a class act. If my children need to look up to some sports figure as their hero, he is the one I will direct them to. I’m not sure why Mr Hildebrand got to throw out the pitch, but the reason really doesn’t matter. The fact that the organization afforded him the opportunity also displays classiness on all levels of the organization. I am also completely in agreement with Mr Hildebrand, I wish my father were here to see this—and his father. I have no doubt whatsoever, though, that they are pulling whatever strings necessary to get some bloop flies to drop and enjoying every second of this.

I love Kerry Wood. That article made me cry.

Wood is headed for the ’GN broadcast booth when he hangs it up.

when I see Kerry Wood. When you think how close he was to hanging ’em up last year and then see him on the mound for the last out of a title…

and then THIS side of him.

I’m so glad he’s our guy.

Kerry has always been a claas act, with all he has been through, he really deserves this.

It’s not just that talent and those baby blues why I love Kerry so much.

Is there any other player we want more to throw that last strike sometime late October? Or maybe hit a game winning homerun?

I have a good friend who is very involved in charity in Chicago who is a diehard Sox fan who normally hates all things Cubs who adores Kerry and his wife.

Kerry is a Cub for life. And I wouldn’t be surprised if post career he has some involvement with the Cubs whether it be in the booth, coaching or front office.

He’s a stud pitcher, a model professional, and a good human being. Not to mention that he worked hard to come back and then signed a deal here (probably for less than he could have gotten elsewhere) because he felt like he owed it to the organization and the fans. What more can I add?

….but I still get ulcer thinking about him pitching in a tight pressure packed playoff game. I just hope his control and movement on the fastball doesn’t abandon him these playoffs.

My biggest concern for the postseason??? That our bullpen is not up to the challenge and will blow ballgames.

Kerry is a good guy but it seems like the team is full of stand up guys (just like most MLB teams). I wish more stories like theses came to print.

why I love the guy, he has been through it all. Cubs need to sign him and make sure he does not leave this team.
 Great story, thanks.

I wish he could have seen this years team, but my grandmother lives on at the age of 90 healthy as can be cheering on this 08 team

Thanks for sharing. With how amazing this season has been and continues to be, it’s great to hear stories like this of guys going above and beyond.

Kerry is, and will always be, one of the all-time great Cubs both on and off the field. Simply a class act.

This story is great. Eventhough Mr H cried at the end because he wished his dad could have been there, his whole family, children, grand children, maybe even great grand children can all smile knowing he got to experience all this. Kerry Wood can and should feel good about that.

I think I’ve shared this before.

A couple of summers ago my friend from Australia visited. When we were downtown we were getting ready to go into dinner at a restaurant and she had gone to the restroom and came back and said “There’s a commotion. One of the Cubs is in the lobby signing autographs”

We went over and sure enough Kerry was there signing autographs. She got her picture taken with him.

My friend’s company oversees offices over there for companies that want to have a presence in Australia.

She had a man from Chicago across the desk from her staring at the picture and couldn’t believe he was on the other side of the world and saw a Cubs picture on someone’s desk!

…..He was one of three guys I was hoping to get my first foul ball signed by……Him, Lou or Lee……Wood is the best.

1998 was a turning point season for the Cubs. While it’s taken 10 more years to get us to where we are, I think the arrival of Kerry signaled a new era for the Cubs as it also was the same time we saw Ryno retire and Harry pass away.

Including 1998 we are on our 4th playoff appearance since he arrived and our 6th winning season.

He’s a very good player.

He is a very nice person.

He has a terrific personality with a very dry goofy sense of humor.

And he’s very easy on the eyes.