Mark “the Bird” Fidrych passed away yesterday while working on his farm in Massachusetts. I was in utero during his magical 76′ season, and frankly have no memories of his 5 seasons with the Tigers. I do know he made a huge mark in Detroit, and left a big impression with my family and friends long after he retired. Here’s a great article in today’s Detroit News from Wojo, who witnessed 76′ firsthand.
Nice Rolling Stone cover. Who would’ve guessed that Loretta Lynn and Keith Richards would be the 2 of the 4 that survived? Crazy. Cheers to the Bird.
I have such amazing memories of the Bird. I was young when he pitched, so my memories are not really of him pitching, but of the sparkle he brought to the Tigers. My family was a baseball “listening” group with Tigers games on the radio in every room. But when the Bird pitched, everyone wanted to watch.