Mark Fidrych Dead at age 54

[crazypoohbear]

Just heard that Mark "the Bird" Fidrych was found dead early this afternoon on his family farm.
HE was working on a pick up truck and was found under the truck by a family friend.

Mark pitched for the Tigers and was rookie of the year in 1976. He was from Northboro, MA and was well known in these parts.
My DH worked several jobs with him ( they both drive truck and work construction)and my kids have met him several times.
Last year he even offered to help my youngest DS with his pitching (DS was in little league)
It was a terrible tragedy and I hope everyone offers up prayers for his family at this time.

[alphamommy]

As a lifelong Tigers fan, this is truly a sad day.

I remember the summer of '76 like it was yesterday. The Tigers had a rough few years, and suddenly there was this quirky pitcher to cheer for. Somewhere, in a tote in the basement, I still have my "The Bird" T-shirt.

Yesterday, MLB Network showed a replay of his June, 1976, game against the Yankees that was broadcast nationally on Monday Night Baseball. I got sucked into the game, just like back in the day.

My sincere condolences to his family and friends. He gave us a lot of great memories, even though his career was short.

[PirateLover]

Well they say death comes in 3's... that makes 3 MLB deaths this week. Adenhart, Harry Kalas, and now "The Bird," a former Rookie of the Year. What a sad week. Condolences to his family and fans.

[GrmGrninGost]

What a great career in such a short time. They don't make them like "The Bird" very often. When they do, it hurts to lose them. My condolences to family and friends.

[crazypoohbear]

Now that the official autopsy has come out I can let you know.
He was working on his truck and started it up to check on the new parts he had put in. He was wearing a sweat shirt and the hoodie got caught in the drive shaft and he was basically strangled to death by the truck. Such a terribly sad ending for such a nice guy.
I want to take this time to remind everyone who works on vehicles or knows someone who works on cars and trucks to please be careful.
I know I hate it when my DH is working on a vehicle and there is no one around, I always envision a horrible accident like this one.
Please be careful.

[PirateLover]

WOW. What a freak accident. Such a shame...

[crazypoohbear]

Sorry, minor correction.
It was not the drive shaft it was the power takeoff shaft (thats the shaft that raises and lowers the dump truck body) He has just replaced some parts and greased the truck and was checking it out when his hood got caught and he was strangled.
Very sad. Just came from the wake stood in line to get in for over 3 hours. Quite the sendoff for him. The line waiting to get in the church was about half a mile long for the whole night.
He was truly well liked in town. there were people of all ages and walks of life paying respects to his family.
God Bless them and help them get through this awful time.