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"The Bird: The Spirit of '76"

"The Bird: The Spirit of '76"

By: Andy Baron
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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.©LTV Podcasting 2026 Baseball & Softball
Episodes
  • Why Am I Crying?

    Why Am I Crying?
    Jul 5 2026

    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.
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    10 mins
  • I Can't Take It Anymore!

    I Can't Take It Anymore!
    Jun 28 2026

    Mark Fidrych is held back in the first and second grades and regularly encounters bullies, who call him a “dummy.” His father, Paul, helps turn the young boy’s angst into an athletic gift.
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    9 mins
  • The Ridealong

    The Ridealong
    Jun 28 2026

    Host Andy Baron discusses his chance ridealong with Mark Fidrych in Fidrych’s 10-wheel Mack truck in May 1996. The experience, which becomes the impetus for this podcast, sets him on a course of discovery about one of the most charismatic and eccentric major league baseball players of all time.
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    9 mins
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