sanerdudette

Mark Fidrych, a crazy, off-the-wall but talented former major league pitcher was found dead underneath a truck at his home today at age 54.

The right-hander was the American League Rookie of the Year in 1976 when he had a 19-9 record with a 2.34 ERA and 24 complete games. He spent all five of his major league seasons with the Detroit Tigers, compiling a 29-19 record and a 3.10 ERA.

In addition to being effective, he was colorful. He was called “The Bird” because of his resemblance to Big Bird from Sesame Street. He was incredibly animated and would talk to the ball, and stalk about the mound and rearrange the dirt to his liking. He was a fan sensation and helped fill the seats in Detroit for the otherwise hapless Tigers.

Those who knew him say that his behavior was not a schtick. He had a genuine joie de vivire. It is sad that his baseball career and his life were cut short.