Mark Fidrych (also called “the Bird”) was a likeable former player with the Tigers. He was found dead last week under the his truck in an apparent accident. He was only 54. How sad that just as the baseball season has begun, his former player was struck down. And much, much too young.

Fidrych was the “American League Rookie of the Year in 1976 when he went 19-9 with a 2.34 ERA and 24 complete games.” While he spent only five seasons with the Detroit Tigers, he made an impact as a fan favorite.
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Two years ago Francisco Liriano was it. At least, he was it if you asked a Minnesota Twins fan, and while his 37 major league starts may not be too many to judge on, I’m going to judge anyways: Liriano is a bust.
That’s not to say he was always a bust — after 2006 he was “the shiz”, as the kids say. Unfortunately, having reconstructive surgery on your throwing elbow can have a hell of an effect on your throwing. Don’t believe me? Ask Mark Fidrych. Of course, Fidrych’s story is one of tragedy and human error on the …read more