Sadly, Mark 'The Bird' Fidrych died today at the age of 54. Fidrych, who lived in the western part of Massachusetts died in an accident on his farm.
Anyone who followed baseball in the 70's knows what an icon Fidrych was. As a member of the Detroit Tigers, he won Rookie of the Year in 1976, Fidryich literally took the sporting world by storm with his wild hair and crazy around the mound antics........not to mention his incredible pitching. Unfortunately, Fidrych's career was shortened by shoulder problems, problems that today are routine and addressable.
Two years ago, I went to the Tigers / Cardinals World Series. Flying out on Saturday afternoon, I had the isle seat and sat next to a very pretty woman who was excited about going to the World Series. I told that I was going too and asked how she got tickets and she told me that her husband used to play for the Tigers in the 70's. I asked who her husband was and she said Mark Fidrych.......and as on cue, he leaned forward from the window seat and waved to me. The next two hours we had the best conversation about everything and nothing. Getting off the plane in Detroit next to Fidrych was like getting off a plane with Elvis - the entire airport was abuzz with excitement to see him. It was an honor to have spent that time with him.
I truly mourn the loss of the Bird.
Topic: Baseball loses an Icon (Read 3385 times)