20 years ago today, a young rookie pitcher, making just his fifth major league appearance, would cement his place in Cubs lore and make history.  Rookie Kerry Wood took the mound against the Houston Astros on a Wednesday afternoon and, while giving up only a single hit, he struck out 20 batters, tying Roger Clemens’ record.

Of course, Wood spent the rest of his career trying to live up to the promise of this start.  An elbow injury near the end of the season led to Tommy John surgery, which cost him all of the 1999 season.  Wood came back in 2000, but never was able to stay healthy enough to truly fulfill the promise he showed that rainy Wednesday afternoon.  2003 was his best season, and his last full year as a starter, as injuries forced him to move to the bullpen for good starting in 2006.