cktimes.ca Archives for That's Sports
That's Sports
THE BIRD WAS ONE OF A KIND
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
There will never be another Mark Fidrych!They broke the mold after Mark "The Bird" Fidrych came out, they had to, he was just too unique and the world might not have been able to handle two of them. As a starry eyed nine-year-old I remember watching him pitch on television, watching him weave his magic talking to the ball and cleaning up the mound area at Tiger Stadium.
My buddy Tim Wright wore number 20 back then because that was Fidrych's number. I don't think he was the only kid across the country to do that.
Fidrych had something that no other ball player has ever had nor probably will ever have. It's hard to explain but he had a charisma and a certain joi de vie that was so unique. His personality made him so hard to not love and you just had to be a fan!
Here's a crazy stat for you......Fidrych pitched in 18 games for the Tigers at Tiger Stadium and the team's attendance in those 18 games equalled almost half of Detroit's home attendance in 81 games!
People loved his antics of talking to the ball, grooming the mound, and talking to himself because it made for great entertainment.
Did Fidrych plan to be entertaining? Heck no, he was just doing what came natural to him, a stress reliever.
A few years ago Mark Fidrych was the guest speaker at the Dresden Sports Hall of Fame Dinner and he was hilarious, again, just by being himself. The place was so quiet when he spoke except when the audience roared with laughter, he had everyone mesmerized.
John Weese was the wheelman for The Bird that day as he picked him up at the airport and then drove him around Detroit to see some sights before making the way to Dresden....I think that is one of Weese's favourite sports memories! Fydrich got in the car and acted as if he and "Johnny" were long lost pals catching up on old times. He was just so natural!
Fidrych holds a special place in many Tiger fans' hearts as a bit of Detroit baseball history died.
Fidrych won rookie of the year in 1976 with 19 wins, a league best 2.34 ERA and 24 complete games.
Fidrych won the hearts of baseball fans all over North America with his great down to earth attitude and fun loving nature.
Although the passing of Mark Fidrych may bring a smile to someone as they remember him on the hill at Tiger Stadium and it may stir some ancient echoes in the heads of old Tigers fans but they may not realize that a piece of true Americana passed away.
Fidrych's way of life and clean cut ways made him a true baseball hero to many young people back in 1976-1977.
Maybe one of the last baseball heros!
Gary Patterson was born and raised in Chatham-Kent. He grew up in Thamesville and now lives in Chatham. Patterson was Sports Director at Beaver Communications an Blackburn Radio for over 15 years. Gary is also the track announcer at Dresden Raceway as well as some appearances at Windsor Raceway. He has played all sports inclduing being a mermber of three OBA Championship baseball teams in Thamesville and has also played hockey and football. Gary still plays golf, slo-pitch and ball hockey and well as the odd game of pick up hockey. Patterson is a passionate Miami Dolphin and Michigan Wolverine football fan. Here are few other details about Gary Patterson: Favourite food: steak, chicken wings, chili or Kenny Tharp\'s famous meatloaf; Favourite non alcoholic drink : Diet Coke; Favourite drink: Scotch, Coor\'s Light; Favourite Sports team : Miami Dolphins/Michigan Wolverines/New York Yankees; Favourite Bar : Bru\'s Room Margate Florida/Pompano Beach Florida; Favourite Bartender : Tanya (Margate), Sarah (Pompano); Favourie Vacataion spot : Pompano Beach Florida; Marital Staus : married with chilren Hockey player : Curtis Jospeh/Todd Bertuzzi; Favourite Football player : Retired Dan Marino, Anthony Thomas; Favourite Basketball player : Steve Nash Favourite Baseball player : Derek Jeter; Favourite colour : Blue; Favourite TV Show : CSI Favourite movie : The Sting, Blue Brothers and Field of Dreams; Favourite song Life Been Good To Me ( Joe Walsh); Favourite Band : Tom Petty/Eagles; Favourite type of Dog: Springer Spaniel; Favourite type of Cat : NONE
