Mark "The Bird" Fydrich

[rbi]

"The Bird" was killed today in a accident at his home at the age of 54. This guy along with the Al Harbosky "The Mad Hungarian" were two pitchers when growing up that have not been duplicated on the mound since the late 70's early 80's. With "The Bird" talking to the ball and himself, and the "Mad Hungarian" antimidating hitters with his look, those two pitchers will go down in history not as the best ever, but sure in the heck THE MOST antimated on the mound.

[Tucson]

I agree. I knew he had died, but I didn't know how.

Along with the two pitchers you mentioned, I also liked Catfish Hunter.

[NumeroUno]

http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/30197091/

[Rowdy1]

I was fortunate enough to see the Bird pitch a couple of times in person when I was a kid and I agree that he was one of a kind. He was odd, but boy could he pitch. It was a freak accident that ended his career and reminds us all to enjoy the now for all it is worth.

[bugs]

I too was fortunate enough to get a glimpse of Mark 'The Bird' Fydrich. He was famous for his passion for making sure all that surrounded him were in congruity with the universe. Probably one of the most unusual players that played the game.

Well, I got a chance to see him up close and personal as he had hurt his arm and could not pitch during part of the 80's. He had come to San Diego to rehab and someone had asked him to come play in San Diego's famous Over-The-Line tournament. Sure enough as he was famous for, as he went to bat he got down on his hands and knees and smoothed the sand to a perfect hitting area. We were all so excited when he did this. He was who he was no matter if he was on the major league ballfield of the big time or on the field of us little guys.

He was approachable, super friendly, and seemed a great guy. He will be missed.

[hit4power]

My cousin, attorney by day, film maker by night, was working on a film about The Bird. He and his two sons went last summer up to Fydrich's farm to shoot some footage and interview him. Fydrich was absolutely great - showed his sons how to throw pitches, reminisced about his career, gave a great interview and toured them on his farm. My cousin is devastated at his untimely death, but I hope he completes the film and can get it produced and out where everyone can see it. Is it just me, or is baseball today missing characters (and class acts) like the Bird?