Mark Fidrych is taken too soon

Wow, we've barely grasped the loss of Harry Kalas earlier today, when word came that Mark "The Bird" Fidrych has passed away at age 54.

We were stunned hearing the news on WFAN on the way home tonight. Apparently, Fidrych died while working under a truck on his farm. No word yet as to what exactly happened.

The Bird was one of baseball's most colorful characters. He burst on to the scene in 1976, winning the AL Rookie of the Year award. His performance on an ABC Monday night game against the Yankees was incredibly memorable.

Fidrych's star descended just as quickly as it rose due to arm injuries. He attempted several comebacks, but retired in 1980 after just 58 big league games.


photo courtesy of cnnsi.com