Former Tiger Fidrych dies in apparent accident

Former All-Star pitcher Mark "The Bird" Fidrych was found dead Monday in an apparent accident at his farm, authorities said.

Fidrych, 54, was found dead underneath a pickup truck by a family friend, Worcester District Attorney Joseph D. Early said. It appeared he had been working on the vehicle, although police are investigating the circumstances.

Fidrych was the 1976 American League Rookie of the Year with the Detroit Tigers.

The curly-haired righthander was dubbed "The Bird" due to his resemblance to the character "Big Bird" on the children's television programme "Sesame Street."

His antics on the mound, where he talked the ball while pitching, circled the mound after each out and repeatedly cleaned his cleats captivated fans in his first season in the major leagues.

"The entire Detroit Tigers organization was saddened to learn of the passing of former player Mark Fidrych today," the Tigers said in a statement. "Mark was beloved by Tigers fans and he was a special person with a unique personality.

"The Tigers send our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends."

Fidrych was more than a charming eccentric. In his rookie campaign he went 19-0 with a 2.34 ERA and finished second in the voting for the Cy Young Award.

He was the starter for the American League in the All-Star Game and threw 24 complete games that season.

A knee injury during spring training prior to his second season spelled an early end to his promising career, which eventually ended after just five years.

He won just 10 more games, finishing with a career mark of 29-19 and a 3.10 ERA in five seasons with Detroit.

In 1977 he suffered a shoulder injury that was later diagnosed as a torn rotator cuff. He made his last major league appearance on October 1, 1980.