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Fidrych killed in accident
Mark Fidrych, whose aw-shucks charm and colorful on-the-mound antics helped make him a national phenomenon with the Detroit Tigers in 1976, was killed in an accident while working on his dump truck at his Northborough farm. He was 54.
Fidrych, who won 19 games as a rookie in ’76 but had his pitching career abbreviated by injuries, was found dead by his friend Joseph Amorello beneath his 10-wheel truck at about 2:30 p.m. State police detectives are investigating the circumstances of the accident, said Worcester Country District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr.
Fidrych, who worked in trucking and construction since his baseball career ended in 1983, had a job scheduled for this morning, but the site wasn’t ready, so he returned home. Later in the day, Amorello, the owner of the A.F. Amorello & Sons construction company for which Fidrych often worked, stopped by Fidrych’s home to say hello and discuss an upcoming job, only to encounter a gruesome scene.
Neither the district attorney’s office nor the Northborough Police Department would confirm further details of the accident. Reached via cell phone tonight, Amorello said, ‘‘It was obvious there was nothing I could do at that time.’’
Fidrych’s baseball legacy is as one of its more memorable and enjoyable shooting stars in the sport’s history. In 1976 -- less than two full years after the Tigers selected the lanky righthander in the 10th round of the 1974 amateur draft out of Worcester Academy -- Fidrych made the Tigers’ Opening Day roster out of spring training as a non-roster invitee.
With his out-of-nowhere success, affable grin and unkempt curls -- he was nicknamed ‘‘The Bird,’’ after the Sesame Street character to whom he bore a resemblance -- it wasn’t long before the 21-year-old had an enormous following.
Fidrych’s starts soon became must-see events -- he appeared on the covers of ‘‘Sports Illustrated’’ (once with Big Bird) and ‘‘Rolling Stone,’’ among others. But his newfound celebrity did not hinder him on the mound.
He went 19-7 as a rookie, leading the league in earned-run average (2.34) and complete games (24). He was the starting pitcher for the American League in the All-Star Game, won the AL Rookie of the Year Award, and finished second to the Orioles’ Jim Palmer in the AL Cy Young voting.
Fidrych’s star-making moment came June 28 against the New York Yankees. In a nationally televised game on ABC’s ‘‘Monday Night Baseball’’ and in front of a crowd of 47,855 at Tiger Stadium, Fidrych pitched a complete-game seven-hitter, allowing just one run in the Tigers’ 5-1 victory. Strutting around the mound, talking to the baseball, and always engaging the crowd, he received a prolonged ovation after the final out, eventually returning to the field to acknowledge the raucous cheers.
But his success in the majors was fleeting. He tore knee cartilage while chasing fly balls in the outfield during spring training in 1977 and was placed on the disabled list. While compensating for the knee problem, he sustained a serious shoulder injury in July that season and never fully recovered. He won just 10 big league games after his rookie year.
Fidrych attempted a comeback in 1983 with the Red Sox, pitching for Triple A Pawtucket. He retired at age 29 following the season with a 29-19 record and a 3.10 ERA in parts of five major league seasons.
He settled in Northborough, marrying his wife, Ann, in 1986. He lived on a 107-acre farm, and owned his own trucking company for a time. Friends say he remained as beloved in his hometown as he was in Detroit during the heady summer of ’76.
‘‘Mark was still very popular everywhere,’’ Amorello said. ‘‘We rented his truck from time to time, and he would work on our crews [at our contruction] company. People would still stop him all the time asking for an autograph or picture, and he was always patient, nice and humble.
‘‘You’d never have known he was an ex-ballplayer by the way he carried himself. The guy had a million friends.’’
Sometimes, Amorello said, his past profession would have an impact on his present one.
‘‘He did a ton of charity work. Every once in a while he’d have to ask for day off to go to some event, always for some good cause here or there. We’d give him a hard time about him losing his spot [on the work crew], that we were putting him at the bottom of the pecking order, but it was all in good fun.’’
Sometimes the fun was at Fidrych’s expense -- particularly when he was on the dance floor. Amorello and his wife, Nancy, both laughed at the recollection of their friend doing what they dubbed ‘‘The Fidrych Dance’’ at a wedding.
‘‘Oh, he thought he was dancing, but it was horrible,’’ said Nancy Amorello recalled. ‘‘He’d be flailing his legs, limbs flying everywhere, leaving five or six people with a bruise.
‘‘That was Mark Fidrych, though. The life of the party. A hell of a guy.’’
Globe correspondents Vanessa Parks and Peter Martin contributed to this story.
A shame. I got his autograph (on a Herald) before the '99 All-Star Game. Seemed like a nice guy.
Wow. Just this last weekend MLB TV ran a game from 1984 with him pitching against the Yankees. He was awesome on that day and had to come out of the clubhouse after the game was over to take a bow!
What a character and how sad.
The Bird was one in a million....RIP.
Sad day for baseball losing 2 such unforgettable people like Harry Kalas and Mark Fidrych in the span of two hours. My heart goes out to their families.
Mark, we hardly knew ye!
Watching "The Bird" talk to the baseball is one of my favorite memories of watching baseball as a kid. My sincerest condolences to his family.
Very sad...may "The Bird" rest in peace!
God Bless Bird man, may he rest in peace
RIP Mark. You were one of a kind
Wow Thats a shocker. Sad
Great Kid. Brought everything he had to every game.
RIP, Bird. You certainly will be missed.
What a shame, baseball looses two in one day.
We'll miss you, Bird. If you have it, put on "Surfin' Bird" by the Trashmen -- LOUD!
It is sad to hear of this he was one of a kind God surly broke the mold when he created Mark.
Rest in peace " Bird " we will always remember you.....:(
The Bird's passing reminds me of the incredible joy he brought to baseball when he pitched for the Tigers in 1976. He was truly one of a kind, the kind of player if healthy would have made the Red Sox of that time more competetive and entertaining. I have seen him on You Tube in the recent years sharing his love of baseball, his dissappointment and his willingness to move with his life to be who he was back in his home town in Northboro. Wonderful guy, he has been sorely missed on the major league level since he retired.
Best wishes to his family on their loss.of Mark "The Bird" Fidrych.
espn just had his complete game win against the yankees in 76 on this past weekend. what a character. r.i.p. the bird.
very sad. I was 13 when the bird hit the stage for the tigers. that game against the yankees is one i will never forget. I remember clipping his picture from the sporting news & putting in a frame & onto my dresser. he will always have a space in my heart
how sad. i was just watching a game with him on mlb tv ....from 1976.
I remember watching Mark in Tiger Stadium. As stalwart Tigers fans, we had a great time that year watching him on the mound. Best wishes to his family.
Mark Fidrych was a breath of fresh air. At the time, it was a shame he incurred career ending injuries. Now, it's even a bigger shame he has lost his life in a backyard accident.
For the past few years Mark Fidrych would lend the boy scouts some of his land on his farm for a day or a weekend. He signed one of my baseball gloves. Its kind of funny because just this past weekend I was watching a game between the Tigers and the Yankees on MLB Network and he was pitching. That was the only time I saw Mark Fidrych pitch in a game.
RIP Bird.
You will be sorely missed Mark!!! You were the reason I started pitching and playing baseball in the first place. I hope younger generations of baseball players are able to recall your flare and panache you showed on the mound. May you rest in peace.
Aaaaaaand that's why you use a pneumatic SAFE-T jack and not cinder blocks, folks!!
James-the-mechanic
I had the pleasure of watching him a couple of times at the old Tiger Stadium. He was a real character!
Strange, just this past weekend we were talking about him.
Tragic...RIP.
You will be missed. RIP - JDN
Mark was a wow on the mound in my youth. He visited our class at the height of his career. Too young so sad . Bless his family during these times and all times
WOW ! My dad used to take me to see him play at tiger stadium and i was always
captivated by his grade school boy charm and habits.A great loss.Should be in hall of fame.will be missed.
Sorry Mark...you lived my dream for awhile.
What a shame. They guy was fun to watch. Best wishes to his family.
Class act. He will not be forgotten. He had a profound impact on baseball during his short career.
This is really sad. Aside from baseball, Mark was a good guy who would visit with baseball teams, talk to kids, etc. He was a regular guy around town.
The Bird was the real deal. I had the priviledge of seeing him a couple times in '76 in Tiger Stadium. By June he was selling out stadiums everwhere; the talk of baseball. I remember visiting in NYC and riding the subway to a Mets game overhearing conversation about Fidrych; I believe he beat the Yankees the night before on Monday night baseball. Talking to the ball, smoothing the mound with his hands and racing on & off the field to pitch like a kid with joy in his heart. His wide open smile with the mop of curls always acting like he had not a serious care in the world. Rest in peace.
I live in Port Huron, Mich. I was a teenager when Mark had his fantastic season. I will never forget the excitement that he brought with him each time he came to the mound. Whether he was at home or on the road, there was an instant surge in ticket sales. The whole country was fascinated with his aw shucks personality and the way he talked to the baseball. If baseball players want to make the game even better, they can look at Mark Fidrych and realize just how lucky they are to be playing a kids game and getting paid for it.
VERY SAD NEWS. HOPE HIS FAMILY IS DOING WELL.
OMG, hard to believe! He will be missed, and always remembered. We were there in 1976 and mighty proud to have him as a Tiger!
Oh, a great loss. I admired the man. Very sad.
the bird was one of the great entertaining characters in baseball in the 70's...his career was cut short ...and now his life is....
One of those rare baseball players who played the game with remarkable innocence and love of the game. His unique approach to the game will always remain with me, being Tiger fan from way back. After all, who has ever openly talked to the ball before delivering a pitch. You gotta love it. RIP
I recently saw him the MLB Network, this is very sad news, I pray for his family and friends.
Just met Jed Lowrie coming out of Dr. Betsky's office at Newton Wellesley.
Sez he's cool.
S
What a depressing week in baseball...deaths...death threats...arrests...anything good gonna happen????
I am so sorry.
Mark Fidrych also known as The Bird certainly was unique the way he ptched.
Rest in Peace Mark
Rest in Peace Mark! What a rookie year you had!
In the summer of 1976 Mark "The Bird" Fidrych was my hero. He would stand on the mound while the batter readied himself, carrying on animated conversations with the ball. He would get down on all fours and groom the mound carefully between batters. He would take quick walks around the infield, muttering absurdities to teammates. And he would go 19-9 with a 2.34 ERA in '76. He was never the same pitcher after that one great rookie season, arm spent (nice work Ralph). I had a 50 cent mass market paperback biography of The Bird back then. I'm all sad tonight.
I went to grade school with Mark and remember him when he had a cast on his arm, hitchhiking at the corner of route 20 with a big ol' smile. My mother was Mark's Catechism teacher St. Rose of Lima . (She always came home chuckling relaying a funny "Mark" story). I remember Mark as a kind generous (halarious) boy - and now we know from the press that he's grown to be a kind generous man. Although I haven'seen him in years, I have no doubt that he's gotten more kind, generous and halarious! My family moved to Maine and we followed Mark's incredible career - making us so proud to be from Northborough.
Sincere condoloences are sent to Mark's family whom he loved so much
A wonderful man. My
Having grown up in Detroit during those days...he was a great hero for us.
Mark the "Bird" Fidrych was great fun and a wonderful athlete at a time we Detroiters needed it. I got to see him pitch a couple of times...it was something to remember.
Mark was one of the best things to ever happen to baseball. My heart goes out to his family.
I am very saddened by the loss of Mark Fidrych. He was a class act, and my thoughts and prayers go out to him and his family.
I just saw him a couple of weeks ago while picking up dinner at his family's diner on Route 20 in Northboro. He not only remembered me but also spoke about my wife. I was also reminded today that he sent a congrats card to me on the birth of my second child -- and this is someone I only met a few times in passing.
When I was 6 years old, I had (and still have) his Tigers baseball card. He was my favorite baseball player (after all, he was named "The Bird" after Big Bird), but I was able to meet him later in life and find out what a special guy he was. He will truly be missed.
How sad...
I remember going with my dad and sisters to see him pitch. Such a bright young talent, with such a sadly short career. Rest in peace "Bird." You were always a star.
Mark,
You will be missed.I watched you pitch on several occasions and you brought back the fun of the game to me and my family.Your death is a great loss to all those people who cared for you.
Ed Williams
Buffalo,NY
Bye Bird. You will be missed.
Rest in peace Bird. You were great in 76 and a very colorful baseball man. You will be missed. It`s not everyday that you can talk with ball players of his caliber. God bless. Another reminder of my childhood that`s never coming back....
They don't make em like the Bird anymore, sad to say....................
that's really too bad. i just saw him at x-mas time at a cheers charity function. he signed one of his bird coloring books for my nephew. seemed to be in good spirits. his autograph included "Rookie of the Year 1976" :-(
This sad news follows the untimely death this afternoon of the longtime voice of the Phillies (as well as many other programs and commercials), Harry Kalas. Tough couple of weeks for the old pastime.
met him in '77 in Boston as a 15 year old kid at Fenway park. I can still remember his big goofy smile and when he talked to me, I felt like I was the most important person in the world. He seemed to love the game as a game...a sport...he seemed like the embodiment of every kids dream...to play baseball. He wasn't about contracts, steroids, hold-outs, salary arbitration...he was about baseball...the game. God Bless you Mark...I hope you are taking the mound in heaven and playing ball with a bunch of smiling floppy haired ball players...playing the game.
May he rest in peace and my condolences to his family. Anyone who remembers him as a baseball player remembers the excitement and entertainment he brought to the game. Anyone who was friendly with him or met him at the diner in Northborough knows what a nice guy he was. He will be greatly missed.
I have many fond memories of watching The Bird with my dad a few years before my dad passed away. RIP Mark and thanks for the memories.
This lifelong Tigers fan is heartbroken tonight. He was one of a kind. Massachusetts was fortunate to have him. He loved his home state, and we in Michigan loved him. I can't tell you how beloved he was in Michigan, and how much he meant to us in that magical summer of 1976. Thanks to all in Boston and environs for your heartfelt comments.
Mark and Marilyn. Two icons of my time. Guess I'm gettin' old. RIP kids ~ Rick
Rest in peace Mark.
They say you were quite a character and a nice fellow.
God bless.
mark you made alot of people smile, one being mrs, englehardt of allen park. she is now in heaven waiting to greet you, take her hand and god bless you. already missed my friend.
What a legacy Mark Fidrych leaves behind! These comments bear witness to the depths of this man's character and honor. Having touched many lives in so many positive ways as The Bird or as Mark, in baseball and out of baseball, and in Massachusetts and across the nation, he leaves monuments to his heart as seen here. May we find in our lives ways to continue that human spirit he shared with so many. Thanks Mark for making this world better while you were here.
I remb. all of us sittiong around the TV and watching him pitch, seems like just yesterday. Loved his interviews. Every so often over the years I would think of him.
Wow! I saw him pitch his last complete game in Arlington Texas! What a show!
1st player i remember from my youth i was 9 he seemed crazy and fun, my dad didnt get him but somehow i did, my dad would later die at 54 also way way to young
Had a chance to meet mark acouple of time's His company was doing and has done a lot of work in the Leominster area, side walks and road work...In fact he put the sidewalks in front of my house several years ago along rt 12 in Leominster...quite a guy,,,really shocked by this...alway just a regular "cool" guy...
R.I.P. Bird
A great guy whom just happened to play baseball.
the crybaby's of today could not stand up to him as a man....just like it was yesterday. started pitching /ended his career. buys a dump truck and goes on with life. unf----believable.
to the family my sincere condolences
What a shock! This morning at about 9:20 am, I went by on West street as Mark was pulling his silver Ford F-350 into his "farm" drive, to open the gate. I toyed with stopping to say hello, but didn't. Again, what a shock.
Oh, those curls! May he rest in peace.
These unfortunate things come in 3s. First the 22 year old angels pitcher, now Mark, I wonder who's next......
Watched him during Spring Training in Lakeland, Florida when he played with The Tigers. Never has there been such an endearing young man and he will be missed. Bless his family and as long as we can remember him, he is not gone.
he was my hero and i just thought the world of him... In 1976 my parents were divorcing and Tiger Baseball saved me that summer. He was just always etched in my mind as amazing. so sorry
"Only the good die young" - he was obviously good at many things - the world is a better place since we had him for as long as we did. Our hearts and thoughts to the family. We need these kind of people to live forever!
I will never forget seeing him pitch against the Spaceman in Tiger Stadium.
He was just a joy to watch.
Too sad.
The Bird and Harry Kalas in one day? Ugh! Didn't even know him until I saw an interview with him the other day. Seemed like a good guy and by the article and comments it seems like he's a great guy. RIP to the Bird! Too young to go!
I saw him pitch against Dave Righetti at McCoy Stadium in the Bucket, RI. Class guy who will be missed. R.I.P.
The Bird played the game the right way. It wasn't all about the money, it was about fun. He had fun and he made it fun for all of us. He will always be remembered.
the bird was class all the way. may his family find peace in his passing. thank you mark fidrych just for being you.
A trajic loss. Mark was a great guy who always had time for the kids. We ran into him often around town and just last summer he took the time to chat with my 9 year old son and his friends at the local ball field. He autographed a ball "Mark The Bird Fidrych" "Rookie of The Year 1976" for my son. We would also see him at his wife's family's business, Chet's Diner, busing tables and pouring coffee. Always a big smile and a laugh. A huge loss for the town of Northborough and Massachusetts as a whole. Our prayers go out to to his family.
The great state of Michigan lost a great ball player!
I met him several times and he was always a fun loving guy. He added so much to Major League baseball. His on field antics were priceless. You wanted to watch him pitch and you hoped he won.
God Bless "The Bird."
It is a sad day for his family, friends, Central Mass., Northboro, and Major League baseball.
Mark Fidrych used to spend time with my 6th grade class, visiting periodically to give us Paw Sox tix and hang out with his Dad, my 6th grade teacher in Quinsigamond Village, Worc. I wish I realized what a legend he was back then.... A great guy, it's really a shame.
Thanks for the great story! Mark was a good person, nice to be around. He will be missed. Dave Madsen
A lot of people may not know this about Mark but he was a hell of a bowler as well as an exceptional ball player and a wonderful human being. R.I .P Mark you will be missed
RIP, I'll never forget a game at Yankee stadium when Thurman Munson hit one back to you and you waved the ball before throwing him out. I hated you then, but grew to admire you. Say hi to Thurman Munson and Billy Martin and all the other ball players in heaven. God Bless.
I'm not a big baseball fan, but I knew who the Bird was, when he played and today. May he rest in peace, and my sympathy to his family and coworkers.
If you didn't grow up in the 1970s, you missed a pair of once in a lifetime characters:
Mark "The Bird" Fidrych; and "Pistol Pete" Maravich.
Wow, what a sad shock. I was a Senior in High School when the Fidrych Saga unfolded, and throughout the summer after I graduated I watched this mesmerizing kid dazzle the American League with his zany, homespun manor. Instant folk hero (Spaceman Lee, can I get a witness???) and I loved watching him pitch. What a horrific loss. My deepest condolences to his wife and family. He was good New England stock if there ever was one.
I'm a Tigers fan living in the Chicagoland area in Illinois and have always loved the story and the character that Fydrich was. When I was a very young I saw a hand-me-down picture of "the Bird" with Big Bird and have had the vision saved in my head to this day. In fact, it may be a large part of the reason I became an enormous baseball fan. A little over a year ago I purchased a Tigers T-shirt over the internet and had #20 and Fidrych's name put on the back. I wear it to almost every baseball game i go to, despite the teams playing or the geography. I get a lot of great smiles and thumbs up from baseball fans when they they see my shirt.Though its a real shame that hes gone, his story and character lives on.
I saw him pitch against Luis Tiant in Fenway. Sox won 2-0 on a Yaz homer. Tiant, Fidfrych, Yaz. What a game. It was only his second start, but everybody knew they were watching something special. Never forget it.
Smart lad, to slip betimes away/From fields where glory does not stay
I felt just awful when I heard this. He was a wonderful man, a one of a kind ballplayer. I remember seeing him play ball on tv in his heydey and I thought he was so cute. Yes, I had a crush on him. I have never heard anything bad uttered about Mark Fidrych; nobody who knew him had anything but good things to say about him. What a terrible thing to happen. I hate when a good person dies young; we need more people like Mark Fidrych. God bless you Mark, and thank you for being who you were.
Great character, long before athletes became PED using millionaire robots. So sad for his family and friends, there will never be another "Bird". Celebrate a great life and pray for Mark, his family and firends.
God speed on your final journey Mark. You were always a great example. I'm proud of you.
I grew up in Metrowest so I was a big Mark Fidrych fan...he was one of ours and for a short time he was awesome....never forgot his success in '76.......for the last five years I have lived in Northborough and have interacted with the Bird a number of times at the family diner "Chet's" on Rt 20 in Northborough. I would go there for breakfast on a Saturday morning and the Bird was always there...helping his wife get the job done and working the crowd...men would bring their young boys for breakfast and the Bird would sign autographs for them.,.always bringing a smile to their faces.......a gregarious and welcoming guy..he will be missed..
I drove from Muskegon to Detroit with my two sons on that memorable night in 1976 as he was totally in charge mowing down the Yankees a night we will never forget. Mark you were the best, you will be with us forever. You were special.
Rough week for baseball and those of us who love it. Adenhart, The Bird, Harry Kallas. Man...
Chets diner won't be the same on Fridays. Thanks fthe smiles, food, laughs, autographs, and just being a kind person. Rest in peace.
We are so sorry to hear the news about Mark Fidyrich.
My daughter's 3rd grade teacher is Mark Fidyrich's sister; Ironically TODAY she brought the whole class signed copies of his book- a coloring book about his life .
A gift from the Bird to his sisters students...today before the accident.
I do not know how to tell my daughter about it..RIP Mark we really loved the way you played ball and your life.
Before hitting the national scene, Mark pitched for the Acton A's, a summer league team sponsored by Bud Forsyth, an Acton/Maynard, Ma Realtor. Uniforms were identical to the Oakland Athletics. They played on a small field in South Acton where the local Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig little leagues also met
The Bird was so Like Baseball , apple pie and the american dream,
I sill have his pitcher on the cover of the Detroit Free press , a hero in the
motor city, to the BIRD May you rest in peace.
Even though The Bird had a short career, I would say he ranks as one of the most beloved Tigers of all time. A wonderful person who played the game like we used to as kids on the sandlot, with passion and joy. You were the spirit of '76.
FaygoKid (comment 62) and Timi (77), your words brought tears to my eyes -- you captured what Mark Fidrych meant to us young Tiger fans in 1976. There was nothing like Tiger baseball with Ernie Harwell on the radio and Mark Fidrych on the mound.
1968 was wondrous, 1984 was spectacular, and 1976 was, as FaygoKid wrote, "magical." RIP, Mark. You were one of a kind.
I just read through the comments and only saw one jerk say something negative about this wonderful guy. It's been more then 30 years and a very short career but it is obvious that this guy is well remembered. I was fortunate to see him pitch that year if only on TV but it was such a thrill seeing him scuff around themound and talk to the ball. What a guy!
I graduated high school in 76 in Michigan. Back then the drinking age was 18. My friends and I would go to the local bar and get pitchers of beer. The whole place would erupt whenever he struck someone out. He was a thrill to watch and a class act. Oh how I miss those days. RIP Mark "The Bird"
Our hearts are broken......................
The summer I turned 11, I sent letters off to a bunch of teams asking for autographs. Actuallly got two responses: Leroy Stanton of the Mariners (who put his HOME address on the return letter!!) and Mark Fidrych. Still have it. When you're a 10-11 year old kid in Massachusetts the summer after the Sox went to the Series and your favorite player is NOT a Sox,... well, that tells you how much fun he was to watch and enjoy. RIP Bird - you were a joy. If you're under the age of 35, you have NEVER seen anything like the summer he gave us in '76...and you never will.
My father pitched for the Brooklyn Dodgers back in the 40's, after the war. I remember us going to a game that Mark was pitching, and he got such a kick out of him. My Dad (Brooklyn boy) hated the Yankees as I do, and his favorite team was the Red Sox. My Dad pitched against his hero Ted Williams when he was 17 in the Navy, and I always thought he was a purist in heart. But, The Bird, made him laugh and he loved his love of the game. God rest his soul!
Class act that will surely be missed. The game can always use his enthusiasm.
I just watched the june28 game on mlb this past saturday.Myself and family was at that game in 1976.Saturday i called my parents in michigan and we talked about that night.
I told them i wonder Mark was still living in mass.on his farm. Then today we heard the awful news.
He had alot of talent a great entertainer!
we will miss him
Paul in Tennessee....the guy who spoke about safety and not cutting corners is yes, speculating on Bird's possible mistake that may have cost him his life, but at the same time, if even one person reading the comments took a future additional careful step when working around heavy machinery (such as a truck), it's thereby a worthwhile thing to note and should not be written off as "being negative".
Wow, can't believe it. A true genuine down to earth real guy with no star attitude. Its a shame he didn't give us 15 years with his talent. He was a shooting star that blazed only for a short while but what a blaze it was. I was lucky enough to watch Mark summon up his greatness and character one last time in 1983 while trying to make a comeback with the Pawtucket Red Sox. He threw a complete game 9 innings for the win to an absolutely buzzing McCoy Stadium crowd vs Dave Righetti and the Columbus Clippers. He still had his flair, that spirit never died. He never publicly showed any bitterness or whoah is me feeling. He amazingly kept things on the positive slant. Amazing. Rest in Peace Mark and Bless your wife and daughter and other family members and numerous friends who loved you . You are the man. Peace Brother.
This is truly a sad day for baseball and America! A true humanitarian, and a great person. He is the reason I became interested in baseball. My prayers go out to all of his family and friends. I will miss you Mark, may you entertain in heaven the way you did on earth!! Tom Battle Creek Mi
I saw the '76 loss he pitched at Yankee Stadium(4-3). We were up on a trip in New York and I made dad stay another night when I saw Mark's name as the starter the following night. I so hate that he had those injuries...I believe he may have been a legit HOF pitcher had his career not been cut short. But to me, no one in my life has energized baseball like Mark did that one shining season. God rest his soul. I'm sure his arm is all well now in heaven, and maybe if those games are played there (hey, it IS heaven!), he is happy tonight-- and the starter on a mound of pure gold.
Bird Bird Bird, Bird Bird's the word!
What great memories you gave us Mark :)
slimjim34:
Don't be an a$$. There is never anything funny or tongue-in-cheek about someone dying. Show some respect.
What a stupid comment.
Wake up.