The dozen or so fans at a recent Marlboro Orioles game in Massachusetts knew who was on the mound as soon as the pitcher started talking to the ball. Former Detroit Tiger pitching sensation Mark ”the Bird” Fidrych, now 34, leads a quiet life running a one-man trucking business and turkey farm in Lexington, Mass., and pitching for the Orioles of the Musial League.
In 1976, Fidrych was 19-9 for the Tigers, had a league-leading 2.34 earned-run average and was voted the American League Rookie of the Year. He pitched 24 complete games.
A shoulder injury knocked him out of the spotlight. Though he felt back at full strength three years ago, he found little appeal in trying to come back at age 31.
”The shoulder was fine, but it was too late,” he said. ”I couldn`t go down to the minors again. I`m situated here. I have a life.”
Settled down with a wife and a daughter, Fidrych missed the mound, the dirt, the fans and the ballpark enough to return to the game this year.
The senior member of the Orioles, who went 3-27 last year, says he would enjoy a postgame beer or two with his teammates but isn`t sure who`s old enough to drink.
”This is a good league for me,” he said. ”Everyone here works hard. You get out of work when you can, you come here and play a game. It`s great. If someone comes late, it`s no big deal.”
Fidrych`s debut with the Orioles earlier this month was his first start in seven years.
Fans recognized him right away when Fidrych began his trademark one-sided conversation.
”Is that . . .?” fans asked. ”I don`t believe it.”
”Look. He`s doing it. He`s talking to the ball.”
Fidrych took himself out of the game in the second inning after his arm
”just died.” He gave up two runs, both unearned.
First-year coach Tony Navarro says the No. 2 starter on the five-man rotation is a ”great inspiration to the young guys. He`s still a great guy, still a lot of fun to be around. He`s 34, but he`s still crazy.”