Mark Fidrych Painting (11X14)

This item, a painting of Detroit Tigers legend Mark "The Bird" Fidrych on an 11x14 wood canvas, is 1 of 1. There is no other like it.

Lost Ballparks artist Michael Koser has created a new series of original paintings, "Lost Ballparks Legends" featuring some of baseball's all-time greats. 

It's not an exaggeration to say that in 1976 Mark Fidrych was the biggest story in the world of sports. Fidrych, one of the most colorful characters in baseball history, used to groom the mound with his hands before innings and would routinely talk to the ball telling it where he wanted it to go. His ability was as profound as his fun loving personality. As a 21 year old rookie "the Bird" won 19 games for the Detroit Tigers and went on to win Rookie of the Year.

His life was cut tragically short in a farm accident in 2009.

This story (from the book "The Bird") best sums up Fidrych. Years after he had retired from baseball, he was back in his hometown when someone approached him and said, "I know you from somewhere. Your face is familiar." "Well", Mark said, "I used to work at the gas station after high school."

Unassuming, humble, sweet spirit. That was Mark Fidrych. As unforgettable as the legendary ballpark he played in.