Yankee-statman writes of colorful character of baseball Mark"The Bird" Fydrich...no 3 in a series

Greetings Steemians of all walks to my blog! I am a student of the game of baseball and have been for many years. Baseball history is a true passion. Caught the "bug" as a tall lefty pitcher with promise (thought N.Y and Detroit) in the late 60's. We visited the legendary Casey Stengel the other day, followed by Lenny "Nails" Dykstra.

Let's visit the incredible story of "Bird" Fydrych.

photo courtesy: Getty Images.

It all began in Northborough, Mass....drafted in the 10th round of the amateur draft by Detroit. Fydrych was called at his home about the draft and beleived it was the Military draft board.
In Lakeland Fla. for minor league training one of the coaches dubbed him The Bird because he reminded them of the Sesame Street character "Big Bird".
photo: Getty Images.

The Bird made the big Detroit club in '76 having impressed in one high minor league season! At 21 with Detroit in '76 he won 19 games and caught the fancy of a nation with his antics of talking to the ball and doing grounds keeping around the mound on his hands in knees. He packed every stadium in which he appeared. As a pitcher he kept the ball low had grewat movement and control..He struck out less than 100 batters in 250 innings! Very, very unique. But also gave up few homeruns.

photo: Getty images........................The bird doing some groundskeeping

Photo: Getty Images.....The Bird and his new trucking business.

Bird started 1977 very well but by late spring arm issues took hold. He never recoverred. He won about three games the remaining two years...spent parts of '78, '79 and '80 in the minors to the tune of ERA's of about 8.00..He had nothing at all.

It didn't bother The Bird. He happily went back to the small town in rural Mass. He Bought a Mack dumptruck and enjoyed the simple life and raising pigs as well. He knew everyone in town!

Fydrich died tragically in 2009 at age 54 when the dumpruck came down on him. He apparently was working on something underneath.

Phot: www.amazon.com
The book above is great reading of this wonderful fellow who never put himself before anyone. He was one of the most humble players who ever acheived fame.
Thanks for visiting!
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