Mark Fidrych The Bird Look-Alike Contest – Spring 1977
The Detroit News held a Mark Fidrych ‘The Bird’ look-alike contest in the spring of 1977, and my mother told me to submit my photo. (This is another story for my grandkids.) Did I really look like the Detroit Tiger’s star pitcher? My mom thought so. We both had long curly hair. Mark ‘The Bird’ Fidrych was about 5 years older than me, and one inch shorter than me. So I entered the contest. Mom was rooting for me in the Doug-out.
Mark Fidrych “The Bird” – Hatched in 1954
Mark Steven Fidrych was born on August 14, 1954, in Worcester, Massachusetts, but his life took flight when he landed in Detroit. Fidrych was not your typical baseball prodigy; he was more of an afterthought in the 1974 MLB draft, picked up by the Detroit Tigers in the 10th round. His journey to stardom was marked by a unique nickname, “The Bird,” not for any avian talent but for his lanky 6-foot-3 frame and a mop of curly blonde hair, reminiscent of Big Bird from “Sesame Street.”
The Bird’s 24 Twins
My mother kept a news clipping from Charley Manos’ column in the Detroit News, one spring day in 1977 (exact date unkown).
Obviously, I did not win the contest, but this is what that news column said:
Let’s hope the Detroit Tigers’ ailing Bird, Mark Fidrych, gets some relief from the moral support from all his Detroit-area fans, particularly those who entered our Bird Look-A-Like contest
About 200 males and females, who feel they resemble the Bird and are proud of it, competed for Bird II honors and tickets for the opening day.
Here are the 24 semifinalists who have been invited to face the judges (live!) at 6 p.m. tomorrow at the News, 615 W. Lafayette.:
Jace Allen, Oak Park; Mark Barlow, Detroit; Bruce Baron, Livonia; Ken Badertscher, East Detroit; Mark Bratcher, Romulus; Rod Dusincki, Ecorse; Sandy Dumitru, Dearborn; Diane Dudas, Lincoln Park; Dennis Duprey, Lincoln Park; Christopher Elliott, Birmingham; Brian Grundner, Rochester; Mary Kosin, Belleville. Keith Hodkinson, Ypsilanti; Maryann Lawson, Detroit; Paul Maiorana, Redford; Greg Mattson, Livonia; James McGilliuray, East Detroit; Craig Nilsen, Fraser; Dave Pomeroy, Birmingham; Ed Piontkowski, Fowlerville; Stan Pakauskas, Windsor; Tom Ross, Warren; Douglas Vos, Dearborn; Paul Zevchak, Detroit
So I went downtown to the Detroit News office on the appointed day, and there were a lot of people standing around talking to baseballs. It was kind of strange to watch.
The Rookie Sensation
1976 was the year Mark Fidrych exploded onto the scene like a comet, dazzling with a 19-9 record and a 2.34 ERA, leading the American League in complete games with 24. His first start? A near no-hitter against the Cleveland Indians, showcasing his fastball that seemed to zoom in before batters could blink. But it wasn’t just his pitching prowess; it was his entire persona. Fidrych would talk to the baseball, and manicure the mound like he was gardening. He would strut around with an energy that was half-enthusiasm, half-eccentricity.
Mark Fidrych – The Bird’s Famous Antics
The antics of Fidrych were as much a part of his legacy as his pitching. He’d refuse groundskeepers’ assistance, insisting on fixing the mound himself, a ritual that became known as “manicuring the mound.” He’d chat with the ball, and aim it like a dart. These behaviors weren’t just quirks; they were strategic. Fidrych believed in breaking the monotony, keeping himself and his opponents off-balance.
The Big Stage and Beyond
Fidrych’s fame wasn’t confined to the diamond. He graced the cover of Rolling Stone, the first and only baseball player to do so. Fidrych also appeared on Sports Illustrated with Big Bird himself. His charm was infectious, drawing record crowds and even prompting teams to adjust schedules just to see him pitch. However, just as quickly as he ascended, Fidrych’s career took a nosedive due to injuries. A torn knee cartilage in 1977 and a rotator cuff injury later, his pitching arm lost its magic.
The Bird’s Legacy
Despite his brief stint at the top, Fidrych’s impact was monumental. He wasn’t just a player; he was an event. His autobiography, “No Big Deal,” underscored his down-to-earth nature amidst baseball’s glitz. After baseball, Fidrych returned to his roots. He ran a truck repair business, always the mechanic with the golden arm, now fixing engines instead of games.
Mark (The Bird) Fidrych’s Final Flight
Mark Fidrych’s life was cut short in 2009, but his legend endures. He remains a symbol of baseball’s charm. A reminder of when the game was as much about character as it was about stats. Fidrych’s story is one of joy, of a pure love for the game that shone through in every pitch, every manicured mound, and every conversation with a baseball. His legacy? A reminder that sometimes, the most memorable players aren’t defined by their stats but by the joy they bring to the game.