ALTOONA, PA - Eric Wood was a 17-year-old playing for the Ontario Blue Jays, an amateur baseball program who boast themselves as the best developmental team in Canada. A late bloomer of sorts, Wood was considered the team's ace, and he threw his fastball around 92-93 MPH.
Through high school, Wood was a pitcher and that's it. Obviously, if you're reading this article, you know that Eric Wood is not a pitcher in the Pirates' organization.
So, when did Eric Wood the pitcher become Eric Wood the third baseman/hitter?
It all started in New Mexico.
The Blue Jays were in New Mexico for a tournament, and Wood was the Opening Day starter for his team.