THE BIRD: Arent You Glad That Cows Dont Fly?
The next time I hear anyone call Mark "The Bird" Fidrych a "flake" or "bush league," theyre going to have to wrestle with me. He may be different in some ways. But its refreshing. Hes far from a flake. "Im no flake," he protested. "But it doesnt bother me.
THE BIRD: Arent You Glad That Cows Dont Fly?
"I would never usually do this ... but I'm in a pretty good mood ..
Jackie Kallen
The next time I hear anyone call Mark "The Bird" Fidrych a "flake" or "bush league," theyre going to have to wrestle with me. He may be different in some ways. But its refreshing. Hes far from a flake.
"Im no flake," he protested. "But it doesnt bother me. Thats them to call me that. The writers, you know. Im just me. Thats it. Look—everyones got their own opinion. But I dont think Im a flake. Do you think Im a flake?"
Nothing ruffles the Bird. I had set up an interview with him just slightly before Birdmania hit a peak. He was not scheduled to pitch when the interview was set up, but when I got down to Tiger Stadium I was told he was pitching that night after all and that the interview might have to be rescheduled.
He was 9-1 at the time, and it was felt that an interview before the game might affect his concentration.