Ex-Cubs phenom Kerry Wood welcomes Max Scherzer to 20-strikeout club

Max Scherzer was the toast of the big leagues Wednesday after trying the big-league mark with 20 strikeouts in a nine-inning performance.

One of the members of that exclusive club, former Chicago Cubs phenom Kerry Wood, welcomed Scherzer to the 20-strikeout fraternity, which includes Roger Clemens (who did it twice) and Randy Johnson.

Congratulations to @Max_Scherzer on an impressive and dominant performance tonight. Welcome to the club! #Filthy
— Kerry Wood (@KerryWood) May 12, 2016

And Scherzer paid respect where it's due.

Thanks man! I loved watching ur game as a kid dreaming of doing the same. It's crazy to me we now share that feat https://t.co/hZoSgzU1el
— Max Scherzer (@Max_Scherzer) May 12, 2016

Wood's 20-strikeout performance in 1998 featured some of nastiest pitches, including the final breaking ball that sealed his 20th punchout.