Obit: Mark Fidrych, former Detroit Tiger(Apr 2009)

Subject: Obit: Mark Fidrych, former Det. Tiger
From: maire-aine
Date: 13 Apr 09 - 06:07 PM

I just heard this terrible news on TV. Not many details yet, but apparently an accident. He was only 54, and his career in Detroit was brief, but what an impression he made. RIP.

Maryanne

Subject: RE: Obit: Mark Fidrych, former Det. Tiger
From: Big Mick
Date: 13 Apr 09 - 06:56 PM

I loved watching him pitch. What a great character, and a tremendous loss.

Sleep well, Bird.

Mick

Subject: RE: Obit: Mark Fidrych, former Detroit Tiger(Apr 2009)
From: Joe Offer
Date: 13 Apr 09 - 07:16 PM

My grandmother was a great Tigers fan, and it rubbed off on her grandchildren - all of us are Detroit natives. I'm sure she'll be happy to welcome Mark to the Field of Dreams - as long as he doesn't object to her playing shortstop.

-Joe-

Subject: RE: Obit: Mark Fidrych, former Detroit Tiger(Apr 2009)
From: number 6
Date: 13 Apr 09 - 07:23 PM

Whoa.

Sad news indeed.

He certainly added colour to the game. I have fond memories of him on the mound.

R.I.P


biLL

Subject: RE: Obit: Mark Fidrych, former Detroit Tiger(Apr 2009)
From: catspaw49
Date: 13 Apr 09 - 07:30 PM

Geezi......The Bird is dead?   I can't fockin' believe it..........

Just read the story and sounds pretty terrible....wow.............

Spaw

Subject: RE: Obit: Mark Fidrych, former Detroit Tiger(Apr 2009)
From: Beer
Date: 13 Apr 09 - 07:42 PM

That is sad news. I was a Tiger fan since a child and when the Bird Man came in play what a great addition he was.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rm_jU0b5Hgw

Condolences to his love ones.
Adrien

Subject: RE: Obit: Mark Fidrych, former Detroit Tiger(Apr 2009)
From: GUEST
Date: 13 Apr 09 - 08:36 PM

This is a tragic loss; what a refreshing character he was; he came along just as the era of greed and free agency was beginning; probably made less money in his entire baseball career than A-Rod makes in a week. He deserved the Cy Young award that rookie season in 1976 but unfortunately it went to a less-deserving Jim Palmer.

Subject: RE: Obit: Mark Fidrych, former Detroit Tiger(Apr 2009)
From: dwditty
Date: 13 Apr 09 - 08:40 PM

He was pumping gas in Boston, tried out as a walk on, and made the Tigers team. As I remember, the Tigers offered him a big contract, but he turned it down - saying he only wanted $25,000. The players union would surely step in if it happened today. SOon after he was injured and never the same.

dw

Subject: RE: Obit: Mark Fidrych, former Detroit Tiger(Apr 2009)
From: Michael Harrison
Date: 13 Apr 09 - 11:50 PM

What a character. Hey, Mark, when you get to the Field of Dreams
look up ole' Norm Cash and chat him up. Thanks, man; you were great.

Subject: RE: Obit: Mark Fidrych, former Detroit Tiger(Apr 2009)
From: Seamus Kennedy
Date: 14 Apr 09 - 12:49 AM

He's up there as we speak talking to the ball...

What a pleasure to watch him.

Seamus

Subject: RE: Obit: Mark Fidrych, former Detroit Tiger(Apr 2
From: Raptor
Date: 14 Apr 09 - 02:06 PM

He's smoothing the mound in heaven.

Subject: RE: Obit: Mark Fidrych, former Detroit Tiger(Apr 2
From: Raptor
Date: 14 Apr 09 - 02:24 PM

Fidrych further endeared himself to major-league fans with his antics on the mound.


He often dropped to his knees to smooth out the dirt, would race over to shake hands with an infielder following a slick play, and talked to himself as he held the ball in front of him before beginning his windup — making it look like he was talking to the ball.

Subject: RE: Obit: Mark Fidrych, former Detroit Tiger(Apr 2
From: Raptor
Date: 14 Apr 09 - 02:31 PM

see him here