RIP Mark "The Bird" Fidrych

[jynxxxedangel]

ONOZ!!!!!! I had such a crush on him, when I was a youngin'!

Story from the Freep:

"BOSTON — Former All-Star pitcher Mark “The Bird” Fidrych has been found dead in an apparent

accident at his farm in Northborough, Massachusetts. He was 54.

Worcester County district attorney Joseph D. Early Jr. said a family friend found Fidrych about

2:30 p.m. Monday beneath a dump truck at his Northborough, Mass., farm. He appeared to be

working on the truck, Early said.

The colorful right-hander was the American League rookie of the year in 1976 when he went

19-9 with a 2.34 ERA. He spent all five of his major league seasons with the Tigers, compiling

a 29-19 record and a 3.10 ERA.

His career was cut short by injuries.

Fidrych attempted a comeback in 1983 with the Red Sox and went to their Triple A team in

Pawtucket, R.I. But he never pitched in the majors after 1980 and retired in 1983.

The Worcester, Mass., native later owned a trucking business.

Fidrych acquired the nickname “the Bird” because of his resemblance to the Big Bird character

on the Sesame Street television show. During games, he would bend down and groom the

mound with his hands, appear to talk to the baseball and slap high fives with teammates in the

middle of the diamond.

He started the 1976 All-Star game after opening the season with seven wins in eight decisions.

He finished that season with 24 complete games.

But he tore knee cartilage during spring training the following year and was placed on the disabled

list until May 24. He sustained a shoulder injury in July 1977 and ended up pitching in just 58

games during his major league career.

State police detectives are investigating the circumstances of his death, Early said."

RIP, oddball pitcher. :cry

[Der Nister]

Bummer.

I met him once long long ago. Got his autograph and have since lost it.

He was very nice - I remember thinking that at the time.

[Gaf The Horse With Tears]

I got to see him pitch once. Best game i was ever at.

Sad face for me.

[pomba gira]

ONOZ!!!!!! I had such a crush on him, when I was a youngin'!

haha me too!

sad... and I always thought it was sad how such a promising start came to nothing because of injuries.

[jynxxxedangel]

:cry

[Simon Bar Sinister]

got to see him pitch once, in the spring of '77 against the Red Sox. he won.

sad news.