Mark "The Bird" Fidrych dead
 

Fidrych killed in accident - Extra Bases - Red Sox blog

RIP :(

Damn. RIP, Bird.

Dang it!! What the heck man. Not a good week for baseball. RIP Bird.

As a Detroit native and lifelong Phillies fan...I'm having a bad day. :( A few weeks ago, MLB Network ran the replay of the Tigers/Yankees game that was nationally televised during the height of his popularity, as well as a recent interview he had done. I watched most of the game with my daughter. Definitely one of a kind.

Man :(

That sucks. He was a fun guy to watch (even though I've only seen old footage).

The Bird was exceptionally friendly. At card shows he was one of the few people who would engage each autograph seeker. He did promo appearances in the early 90's where he would do "motivational speaking" generally for auto companies. Very down to earth and well received.

Man, this is like a punch in the gut! I remember seeing the Bird pitch against my beloved Yankees on Monday night baseball his rookie season when I was 12. Even though he was going against my team, I thought he was the coolest thing ever. In fact, of all the characters that played in the 70's he and Al Hrabosky were my favorites. The most impressive thing about him was how laid back and nonchalant he was about things. Never bitter his career was so short, just thankful he had what he had. One of the nicest guys out there.

RIP Bird

Still have vivid memories of watching it live. Man I wish I had caught the replay!!

I was 9 years old when he was a rookie. This man ignited my passion for baseball. I doubt I would have the love of baseball I have if not for Fidrych.

Wow. This stuns me. I am in shock.

I feel a part of my life just died.

:(

RIP, Fidrych. You seemed like a cool guy! Thanks for existing!

I've seen it several times, first on ESPN Classic and now on MLB Network. I bet either or both will show this game soon, given his death.

Just saw this info in an article, for anyone who's interested:




I didn't see this April 11th, but I'm pretty sure I saw the updated interview. I bet that article is supposed to say March 11th. That would make more sense.

A guy I know from another board who's a big Tigers fan worked with a buddy of his to create this billboard and has gotten a couple of companies to put it up in various places around Michigan, including across from the West Michigan Whitecaps ballpark in Grand Rapids. Kinda cool, I think.

I've also attached the .pdf version of this, in case anyone is interested in having it.

Thanks, will definitely set the DVR for this :)

That Billboard is pretty cool too, amazing how many people he touched with in such a short time.

This bummed me out. I was 15 in 1977 and became a Tiger fan on the spot watching him pitch a game on TV. He started a game that year against the Mariners that I went to wearing my cheap-ass Detroit batting helmet. I was the Bird all that summer in the neighborhood games.....RIP man.