Former Major League Pitcher Mark Fidrych Passes..

[Mitchell]

As if the passing of Harry Kalas wasn't difficult enough to digest, there is now word of another passing in Major League Baseball, as it has just been announced that former major league pitcher Mark "The Byrd" Fidrych passed away earlier today at age 54.

If someone has the link to this story, and could please post, it would be appreciated.

This has been a difficult day in major league baseball, with the passings of Kalas and Fidrych.

Mitch

 

[ticklingfeet4fu]

STUNNING!!! Incredible. Now granted " The Bird " career was not as prominant as Harry Kalas but those of us who remember 1976 will always remember Mark " The Bird " Fidrych. Here in Michigan, they are completely stunned at the news of his passing. Just as I am sure it was stunning to Phillies fans that Harry Kalas had died. Fidrych death is just as shocking out here. May you always Rest in Peace. Hopefully you will be able to entertain everyone in Heaven. Mark Fidrich dead at 54.

Here is the story:


Mark “the Bird” Fidrych dies at 54

BOSTON (AP)—Former All-Star pitcher Mark “the Bird” Fidrych was found dead Monday in an apparent accident at his farm. He was 54.

Worcester County district attorney Joseph D. Early Jr. saids 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 Detroit 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 Boston 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.

 

[Mitchell]

4u, thanks for the post about the Byrd's passing. This has been a very difficult day.

 

[jaymoney]

I can remember as a boy going to Tiger Stadium with my Dad that summer and seeing Fidrych pitch, it was kind of like our Field of Dreams moment. While injuries derailed his career, it would have been hard to duplicate that magic again even if he had stayed healthy. The energy in the air on days he pitched was unreal. Was very sad when I heard the news of his passing, it felt kind of like a part of my childhood died along with him.