Former Pitcher “The Bird” Mark Fidrych Found Dead At 54 (Photos)

Former All-Star pitcher Mark “the Bird” Fidrych was found dead Monday after an accident while apparently working on a truck at his farm at the age of 54. Read more on Mark Fidrych’s death below.

Worcester County district attorney Joseph D. Early Jr. stated that a family friend found Fidrych about 2:30 p.m. Monday beneath a dump truck at his Massachusetts farm. Fidrych appeared to have been working on the truck, Early said.

Fidrych, the right-hander was the American League rookie of the year in 1976 when he went 19-9 with a 2.34 ERA. Mark Fidrych spent all five of his major league seasons with the Detroit Tigers, compiling a 29-19 record and a 3.10 ERA.

Fidyrch’s career was cut short due to injuries.

But Mark Fidrych attempted a comeback in 1983 with the Boston Red Sox and went to their Triple A team in Pawtucket, R.I. He retired in 1983.

Fidrych later owned a trucking business.

Fidrych was given the nickname “the Bird” because of his resemblance to the Big Bird character on the Sesame Street television show. He would bend down and groom the mound with his hands, appear to talk to the baseball and slap high fives with teammates in the middle of the diamond.

Police detectives are investigating the circumstances of his Fidrych’s death, Early said.

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Posted by: Monya

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