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MLB news: Wilbur Wood dead at 84

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The Chicago White Sox announced the death of Wilbur Wood, a three-time All-Star pitcher who made opposing batters swing and miss with a vicious punch. He was 84 years old.

Wood spent 17 seasons in the majors from 1961 to 1978 and 12 with the White Sox. He also played for the Boston Red Sox and Pittsburgh Pirates.

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Chicago White Sox pitcher Wilbur Wood in action during the 1968 season. (Malcolm Emmons/USA TODAY Sports)

“The White Sox extend our condolences to the family, friends and fans of 3x All-Star Wilbur Wood, who has passed away at the age of 84,” the team said on social media.

Wilbur made his debut with the Red Sox as a 19-year-old pitcher in 1961 and then found himself with the Pirates in his early 20s. But he made his biggest impact with the White Sox.

He started as a reliever for the White Sox. He led the majors in 1968 when he appeared in 88 games and then appeared in 76 games in 1969 and 77 in 1970, leading the American League the next two years.

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Chicago White Sox pitcher Wilbur Wood (8) pitches at Comiskey Park during the 1973 season. (Malcolm Emmons/USA TODAY Sports)

Wood was named to the starting role in 1971 and did his best to perfect his knuckleball to put less stress on his throwing arm. He developed into an incredible pitcher and led the majors in games played from 1972 to 1975. He won at least 20 games from 1971 to 1974.

He suffered a broken kneecap on a line drive early in the 1976 season. When he returned to the mound, Wood began to struggle. His ERA rose to 5.20 in 28 games in 1978, which would be the final season of his career.

He finished his career with a 3.24 ERA and 1,411 strikeouts. His 376.2 innings pitched during the 1972 season was the most by a starter in a single season in the Live Ball Era (since 1920). to MLB.com.