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/ CBS Boston. He never even slightly suggested any regrets of his injuries. While Mark "The Bird" Fidrych had already begun making a name for himself around Tiger Stadium and the city of Detroit, he took the country by storm that night, throwing a complete game against the New York Yankees, the eventual American League champions.About 400 Tigers fans turned out Wednesday at MotorCity Casino to view the Detroit premiere of "MLB Network Presents: The Bird," a TV documentary showcasing the life and baseball career of the former Detroit Tigers pitcher.WXYT-FM's Dan Leach hosted a panel discussion after the documentary with Fidrych's widow, Ann, MLB Network producer Bruce Cornblatt, author Dan Epstein and sports historian Bill Dow.Fidrych earned his nickname because of his antics on the field -- shoveling dirt off the pitching mound with his hands, talking to the ball, congratulating teammates after routine plays -- as well as the fact that his lanky stature was comparable to Big Bird on "Sesame Street. He went on to play four more years for the Detroit Tigers. Mark Fidrych was born on the 14th of August, 1954. That's the type of guy he was. Mark Fidrych, who was given his nickname The Bird from a coach while pitching in Detroits minor-league system because his 6-foot-3-inch frame and mopped hairstyle looked like the popular Sesame Street character, pitched one inning in his MLB debut on April 20, 1976. Mark Fidrych during his rookie season with the Detroit Tigers in 1976. Drag images here or select from your computer for Mark The Bird Fidrych memorial. A licensed commercial trucker, he works as a contractor hauling gravel and asphalt in a ten-wheeler. Several days later, the state medical examiners office ruled his death an accident. Thank you for fulfilling this photo request. Fidrych played a short but stellar MLB career that included winning AL Rookie of the Year honors in 1976. Fidrych would swagger around the grass after every out and was finicky about baseballs, refusing to reuse one if an opposing player got a hit, and rejecting fresh ones he declared to have dents. To use this feature, use a newer browser. background-color:#ba3434;