BOSTON -- A charismatic retired baseball player was found dead at his Northborough home Monday after an apparent accident, the Worcester County District Attorney's office said.

Mark Fidrych, 54, of 260 West St., was found dead on his farm, said Worcester District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr.

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Fidrych, a retired major league player for the Detroit Tigers, was found by a family friend underneath a dump truck at about 2:30 p.m. He appeared to have been working on the truck at the time of the accident, Early's office said.





The colorful right-hander was the American League rookie of the year in 1976 when he went 19-9 with a 2.34 earned run average. That year he finished second in the Cy Young balloting.

He spent all five of his major league seasons with the Detroit Tigers, compiling a 29-19 record and a 3.10 ERA.

In the minor leagues, Fidrych earned the nickname "The Bird." One coach thought his tall, lanky build bore a resemblance to "Big Bird" on the Sesame Street television program.



Sports Illustrated

Fidrych and the television character appeared together on the cover of Sports Illustrated in 1977

"The Bird" was known for delighting fans with his antics on the field. He would talk to the ball and often insist that certain balls be removed from the game because "they had hits in them."

On the mound, he would often crouch down and fix cleat marks. "Manicuring the mound" became one of his trademarks.


His popularity around baseball was such that attendance soared whenever and wherever he pitched. After his rookie year, the Tigers signed him to a three-year contract worth $255,000.

Fidrych grew up in Northborough and attended Algonquin Regional High School.

His career was cut short by injuries. Fidrych attempted a comeback in 1983 with the Boston Red Sox and went to their Triple A team in Pawtucket, R.I. But he never pitched in the majors after 1980 and retired in 1983.

Fidrych's death remains under investigation.

Copyright 2009 by TheBostonChannel.com. The Associated Press contributed to this report. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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12 Comments
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I was saddened and shocked to hear about Mark! I knew him for about seven years from our work industry and he was always comical with an upbeat attitude, a real gentlemen. Mark was always doing whatever he could when it came to children. He was a very kind person. He will be greatly missed! God Bless you Mark and your family.


InappropriateApr. 14, 2009 7:00am EDT | from wingnutt66
If there is one name in baseball that I have brought up through the years, as a female fan, it's Mark's. I grew up with Lombardi's Packers, the Boston Celtics, and Mark. He impressed me as being a heart on two legs and to watch him throw was magic. There was a void that was created when he left the game way too early, but all is as it should be. I am so sorry to hear of his death. Blessings to all family and friends who will see him off to the great diamond in the sky.


InappropriateApr. 13, 2009 10:19pm EDT | from mim
I grew up in Detroit. As a 12 year old boy, I practically lived in Tiger Stadium on the weekends. My grandmother and great aunt both worked in the concession stands. Grandma worked lower deck, third baseline and auntie worked lower deck, first baseline. They frequently brought me into the stadium on weekends through the employee entrance. The security and ushers all looked after me. I remember Mark as being the life of Detroit during his short stay with us. He was loved and provided many with a spark of humor and I think he made baseball a better game. I live in the Boston Area now and always wanted to meet him again after learning he lived here.How sad for Detroit, Boston and baseball. Mark will be missed by me and all Detroiters whereever they live.Jim SarnaWestminster


InappropriateApr. 13, 2009 9:43pm EDT | from Packy64
Even though I am a staunch Red Sox fan, I remember Fidrych playing. He was a character, but a good pitcher. I am saddened by the death of one who is still young in so many ways. One hopes that he is playing in the heavenly majors where there is no such thing as career ending injuries. He will be missed.


InappropriateApr. 13, 2009 9:05pm EDT | from docphyl
I was 18 years old in 1976 and had just graduated high school. My friends and I went to several games when The Bird pitched, and watched all of the others onTV. The best way I could describe the atrmoshpere at the Tiger Stadium when he pitched was "electric". That was the most exciting non-contender season of all time, bar none. His antics were totally sincere never an act. But his personality and antics alone would never have made him a sensation unless he could actually play at a high level --- and his pitching ability that one year 1976, was superb ... going 19-9 for a bad team. If he had any suppport he would have been 24-4. Goodbye Mark we'll never forget you......


InappropriateApr. 13, 2009 9:02pm EDT | from 2dbs
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