Mark “The Bird” Fidrych had his incredible magical rookie season in 1976 with the Detroit Tigers.   He was the biggest thing to hit Detroit in decades and burst on to the national scene.   His love-able antics — talking to the baseball, running to congratulate team mates for good plays and personal grounds keeping on the mound endeared him to all of baseball and America.  I was 10 years old in 1976 and a rabid Tiger fan.

I remember catching a glimpse of Fidrych in the Tigers’ dugout during my annual visit to Detroit to see a Tigers  game with my Uncles.  We had hoped to see one of his starts but he wasn’t due to pitch during that home stand.

By all accounts he was a fantastic, real guy.  Those that saw or remember him know he was a fantastic character.   He will be missed.

Mark Fidrych Video with great highlight clips