The "Bird" - Mark Fidrych dies at 54.

[Herald]

Mark Fidrych dies in accident

I remember his rookie season well. He used to talk to the baseball. His antics were legendary. If it weren't for injuries he would have had a marvelous career.
[video=youtube;Rm_jU0b5Hgw]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rm_jU0b5Hgw&feature=PlayList&p=CE1C99F817977CB8&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=13[/video]

 

[KMK]

What a character he was! Remember the SI cover with him and 'Big Bird'? (That might be on the video, but I can't open it.)

 

[Rich Koster]

He was quite amusing. I hope he is with the Lord.

 

[Galatians220]

This is very sad. We spent many happy hours at Tiger Stadium during Fidrych's magical season... We tried to get tickets for most games that we figured he'd be starting. We were never disappointed! He'd put on *nutty shows* from the dugout even between innings.

There'll never be another Mark Fidrych, that's for sure. I, too, hope he was saved.

Margaret

Here's a really nice story about him that just appeared on the Detroit News website: http://www.detnews.com/article/20090413/SPORTS0104/904130435/1129/Fun+followed+Fidrych

 

[tgoerz]

I'll not forget those "Monday Night Baseball" games. He was a real gem.

 

[Backwoods Presbyterian]

Harry Kalas, the Phillies announcer, also died today...

 

[Marrow Man]

I'll not forget those "Monday Night Baseball" games. He was a real gem.

Yep, remember watching him talk to the baseball when I was a kid. Remember when they used to run out the relief pitchers to the mound in those carts shaped like a batting helmet?

 

[LawrenceU]

He was fun to watch.

Hey, those players actually know how to wear their pants!