"The Bird: The Spirit of '76"

Coach Jack Wallace and teammates recount Fidrych’s work ethic, leadership and magnetism as a 16-year-old freshman on the JV baseball team. And then Wallace cites a no-hitter that brought him to tears.

Thanks to Mark Philbin, Ann Fidrych, Jack Wallace, Brad Ostiguy, Neil Greenwald and Wayne Hey.

Creators and Guests

Host
Andy Baron
Andy Baron is a journalist and PR & Communication professional who has degrees from both Fitchburg State University and WPI.

What is "The Bird: The Spirit of '76"?

Catapulted into American consciousness during the summer of 1976, “The Bird: The Spirit of ’76” tells the story of the late Mark “The Bird” Fidrych, a talented and eccentric pitcher for the Detroit Tigers who beats long odds to make the team and becomes American League Rookie of the Year. He is a national crossover cultural phenomenon, hanging out with Elton John, Frank Sinatra and other luminaries. Fifty years after his magical season, former Sentinel & Enterprise reporter Andy Baron shares never-before-told stories revealing how Fidrych overcame early childhood challenges and left a lasting legacy for those with special needs.