The bizarre life and tragic death of mark ‘the bird’ fidrych

On what would have been his 70 th birthday, we look back at the short, but memorable, career of one of the great personalities in MLB history. His meteoric rise to fame in the mids, coupled with his eccentric personality and exceptional talent, made him a beloved figure in the sport. Despite a career that was tragically cut short by injuries, Fidrych left an indelible mark on the game and the hearts of fans everywhere.

Growing up in a blue-collar family, Fidrych was known for his boundless energy and enthusiasm. He excelled in baseball during his high school years, eventually catching the attention of Major League scouts. Despite his unconventional pitching mechanics and gangly frame, Fidrych had an undeniable talent for the game. In , Fidrych was drafted by the Detroit Tigers in the 10th round.

He quickly moved through the minor leagues, showcasing his unique pitching style and larger-than-life personality. The season was nothing short of magical for Mark Fidrych and the Detroit Tigers. It was his rookie season, and Fidrych, then just 21 years old, took the baseball world by storm. His debut as a starting pitcher came on May 15, , against the Cleveland Indians.

On April 13, , Fidrych was performing maintenance and working underneath his dump truck when something went horribly wrong.

He pitched a complete game, allowing only two hits and one run. His unfiltered enthusiasm and childlike joy for the game made him an instant fan favorite. By midseason, Fidrych had become the face of baseball. His starts became must-see events, drawing sellout crowds and unprecedented television ratings. Just weeks later, he was chosen as the starting pitcher for the All-Star Game.