LAKEVIEW — Former Cubs pitcher Kerry Wood shot the breeze, and some pool, with barflies at a Lakeview tavern Wednesday night.
The 1998 National League Rookie of the Year last night came into Side Street Saloon, 1456 W. George St., where he took photos with Cubs fans and "played three or four games of pool," bartender Louie Hickner said.
"He's actually a pretty good pool player, and he had some drinks with everybody in the house," Hickner said.
Hickner said Wood, who played most of his 14-year career with the North Siders, is not the only famous Chicago athlete to stop by the bar — former Cubs pitcher Ryan Dempster and former Blackhawk Patrick Sharp have also visited Side Street.
A two-time All-Star, Wood earned the nickname "Kid K" after he tied the record for most strikeouts in a game (20) during his rookie season. He retired in 2012, but remains active here both with the Cubs and his family foundation.
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