Why Kyle Hendricks shared his 100th win with his childhood mentor from Los Angeles Angels

Kyle Hendricks’ 100th win in the Major Leagues with the Los Angeles Angels against the Seattle Mariners on June 6, 2025, is not just a statistic. The path of this right-hander to this moment in his career highlights the effect early guidance has on an athlete’s success over many years.

By hugging Clyde Wright, the coach who guided him as a child and retired with 100 wins, Hendricks reflected the importance of early guidance for any sports career. Hendricks’ 5-4 victory over the Mariners showed he has what it takes and also highlighted how strong bonds between players help baseball grow.

Clyde Wright's Foundational Impact on Kyle Hendricks' Baseball Development

Clyde Wright being part of Kyle Hendricks’ celebration with the Los Angeles Angels made for an incredible 23-year story.

When Hendricks started with Wright’s Anaheim pitching academy at age 12, Wright was already a seasoned pitching instructor at 84. Clyde Wright ended his 10-year career in Major League Baseball with 100 wins, just like Kyle Hendricks’ current achievement. The fact that the numbers are equal in this way makes their relationship more meaningful, proving how Wright’s early encouragement of others affected their careers.

Hendricks said Wright introduced him to pitching as well as encouraged his passion for baseball, making sure he remained interested in the sport.

Kyle Hendricks' Career Trajectory from Chicago Cubs Star to Los Angeles Angels Milestone

The way Kyle Hendricks reached 100 career wins shows a strong and consistent performance in different teams and at different stages of his career. In his time with the Cubs, Hendricks achieved 97 victories and was counted on to give accurate pitches, not just powerful ones.

He has carried on this style in Los Angeles, and his June 6 game against the Seattle Mariners proved that he relies on strategy instead of sheer strength.Kyle Hendricks showed his tactical skills even though he gave up four runs and eight hits in six innings, with no more than two strikeouts. Even though his fastball was clocked at only 86.6 miles per hour, he handled a potential bases-loaded situation in the fifth inning and got out of it.

Jorge Soler stopped the Tigers from getting a grand slam, and Travis d'Arnaud hit a two-run homer that tied the game.Also Read: Colton Gordon’s electric debut fuels Astros' victory over Guardians Kyle Hendricks' 100th career victory ultimately transcends individual achievement, representing the profound influence of quality mentorship in athletic development. His emotional reunion with Clyde Wright demonstrates how foundational relationships continue shaping professional careers decades after initial contact. For Los Angeles Angels fans wanting to follow Hendricks' continued pursuit of wins, games are broadcast on Fox Sports West and available through MLB.TV streaming services, with home games scheduled throughout the summer at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California.