Mark Fidrych was found dead on his Massachusetts farm, apparently falling victim to an accident while working on his truck. It means baseball has lost a former star and someone most people regarded as a one-of-a-kind in the sport.
Fidrych began his career with a spectacular rookie season with the Detroit Tigers in 1976. He ended up 19-9, started the All-Star game, and was eventually named American League Rookie of The Year.
The Detroit Tigers issued a statement over their former star’s death:
“The entire Detroit Tigers organization was saddened to learn of the passing of former player Mark Fidrych today.
Mark was beloved by Tigers fans and he was a special person with a unique personality. The Tigers send our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.”
Fidrych’s career sadly came to an early and rather abrupt end due to a shoulder injury and knee cartilage problem which forced him to retire. But he will be remembered by the fans as ‘The Bird’ (due to his similarities to Sesame Street‘s Big Bird) and his slightly kooky ways.
R.I.P. Mark Fidrych 1955 – 2009.
