Sports Then and Now

On what would have been his 70^th birthday, we look back at the short, but memorable, career of one of the great personalities in MLB history.

Mark Fidrych, nicknamed “The Bird,” was one of baseball’s most captivating and unconventional figures. His meteoric rise to fame in the mid-1970s, coupled with his eccentric personality and exceptional talent, made him a beloved figure in the sport. Despite a career that was tragically cut short by injuries, Fidrych left an indelible mark on the game and the hearts of fans everywhere.

Early Life and Path to the Majors

Mark Steven Fidrych was born on August 14, 1954, in Worcester, Massachusetts. Growing up in a blue-collar family, Fidrych was known for his boundless energy and enthusiasm. He excelled in baseball during his high school years, eventually catching the attention of Major League scouts. Despite his unconventional pitching mechanics and gangly frame, Fidrych had an undeniable talent for the game.

Nolan Ryan is often celebrated by some as one of the greatest pitchers in baseball history, largely due to his extraordinary career longevity, record-setting strikeouts, and seven no-hitters. However, other baseball analysts and fans debate his status as an all-time great pitcher, pointing to several key factors that might detract from his worthiness of high praise. Let’s explore these factors to understand why Nolan Ryan might not be universally regarded as an all-time great pitcher.

1. Win-Loss Record

Ryan’s career win-loss record stands at 324-292, which, while impressive in terms of total wins, reflects a relatively high number of losses. The victory total also reflects that he pitched for 27 seasons, meaning his average season record was just 14-13. The .526 winning percentage is not as dominant as other legendary pitchers, and his record suggests that despite his individual brilliance, his teams did not always convert his performances into victories. In comparison, pitchers like Sandy Koufax, Whitey Ford, Jim Palmer, and Bob Gibson have much higher winning percentages, indicating more consistent success in leading their teams to wins.

Over the last two decades the importance of individual win-loss records for pitchers has been downgraded, but that was not the case during the era in which Ryan pitched. Like most pitchers from the 1970s, Ryan was expected to both start and finish a large portion of his starts. Ryan registered 222 career complete games, including 156 in an eight year stretch between 1972 and 1979.

2. Control Issues

One of the most significant critiques of Ryan’s career is his control issues. He holds the MLB record for career walks with 2,795, a reflection of his frequent struggles with command. By comparison, Steve Carlton is second all-time with 1,833 career base on balls allowed. This high walk total often put him in difficult situations, leading to increased pitch counts and shorter outings. While his overpowering fastball helped him get out of many jams, the walks limited his efficiency and effectiveness.

3. Lack of Cy Young Awards

Despite his longevity and dominance in certain aspects of pitching, Ryan never won a Cy Young Award, the honor given to the best pitchers in the league. This absence is often cited as a significant gap in his accolades, especially when compared to contemporaries like Tom Seaver, Steve Carlton, and Jim Palmer, who each won multiple Cy Young Awards. Ryan finished in the top three of the Cy Young voting only three times in his career and received votes only eight times in 27 seasons, suggesting that while he was excellent, he was rarely seen as the very best in any single season.

Baseball fans has been captivated this season by the emergence of Pittsburgh Pirates rookie pitcher Paul Skenes. The first pick in the 2023 MLB Draft, Skenes has reached amazing heights having started the 2024 MLB All-Star Game and drawing comparisons to other great rookie pitchers from throughout baseball history.

The journey from promising prospect to Major League Baseball (MLB) rookie can be daunting, but some pitchers have managed to make an immediate and unforgettable impact. We still have two months to see if Skenes will finish as one of the top rookie pitchers of all-time, but in the interim, here are the top 5 rookie pitching seasons in MLB history, showcasing their remarkable achievements and lasting legacies.

1. Fernando Valenzuela (1981, Los Angeles Dodgers)

Fernando Valenzuela’s rookie season in 1981, dubbed “Fernandomania,” is one of the most iconic in MLB history. The young left-hander from Mexico burst onto the scene with a unique screwball and a charismatic presence on the mound.

Valenzuela started the season with eight consecutive complete game victories, capturing the imagination of baseball fans worldwide. He finished the season with a 13-7 record, a 2.48 ERA, and 180 strikeouts in 192.1 innings pitched. Valenzuela’s dominance earned him both the National League Rookie of the Year and Cy Young Awards, making him the first player to win both honors in the same year. His impact extended beyond statistics, as he brought a new wave of Latino fans to the game and left an enduring legacy in baseball history.

2. Mark Fidrych (1976, Detroit Tigers)

Mark Fidrych, known as “The Bird” for his resemblance to the Sesame Street character Big Bird, captured the hearts of baseball fans with his eccentric behavior and outstanding performance in 1976. Fidrych would talk to the baseball, groom the mound meticulously, and exude a contagious enthusiasm that made him an instant fan favorite.

Professional sports are filled with remarkable stories of sibling rivalries and partnerships. Brothers or sisters competing at the highest level often push each other to new heights, creating legendary moments and leaving lasting legacies. Here are the top 10 sibling tandems in professional sports, showcasing their impact and achievements.

1. Manning Brothers (Peyton and Eli Manning) – American Football

The Manning brothers are synonymous with NFL success. Peyton, a two-time Super Bowl champion and five-time MVP, is widely regarded as one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time. Eli, also a two-time Super Bowl champion, earned MVP honors in both of his Super Bowl victories. Their combined accolades and leadership have left a significant mark on the NFL.

2. Williams Sisters (Serena and Venus Williams) – Tennis

Serena and Venus Williams have dominated women’s tennis for over two decades. Together, they have won 30 Grand Slam singles titles (Serena 23, Venus 7) and 14 Grand Slam doubles titles. Their rivalry and partnership have revolutionized the sport, inspiring countless athletes around the world.

Professional sports have always been a stage for extraordinary talent, resilience, and dedication. Among the countless inspiring stories, one of the most fascinating narratives is that of father-son duos who both excelled in their respective sports. These combinations showcase not only genetic prowess but also the influence of legacy, mentorship, and shared passion. Here are ten of the best father-son combinations in professional sports.

1. Ken Griffey Sr. and Ken Griffey Jr. (Baseball)

Ken Griffey Sr. had a distinguished career in Major League Baseball (MLB), primarily with the Cincinnati Reds, where he was a key player during the team’s “Big Red Machine” era in the 1970s. A three-time All-Star and two-time World Series champion, Griffey Sr. established himself as a consistent and reliable player.

Ken Griffey Jr., however, elevated the family name to legendary status. With a career spanning 22 years, primarily with the Seattle Mariners and Cincinnati Reds, Griffey Jr. became one of the most prolific and admired players in MLB history. He was a 13-time All-Star, 10-time Gold Glove winner, and was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2016 with one of the highest voting percentages ever. His sweet swing, defensive prowess, and charismatic personality made him a fan favorite and an enduring icon of the sport.

2. Archie, Peyton, and Eli Manning (Football)

Archie Manning was a standout quarterback for the New Orleans Saints during the 1970s and early 1980s. Despite playing for a struggling team, Manning’s talent and leadership were evident, and he became a beloved figure in New Orleans.

Willie Mays and Orlando Cepeda, two iconic members of the Baseball Hall of Fame and longtime teammates with the San Francisco Giants passed away within 10 days of each other in late June.

From their early days in the sport to their contributions on and off the field, Mays and Cepeda’s journeys were defined by talent, resilience, and a deep love for baseball.

Willie Mays: The Say Hey Kid

Willie Howard Mays Jr., born on May 6, 1931, in Westfield, Alabama, emerged as one of the greatest all-around players in baseball history. His journey to stardom began in the Negro Leagues before he signed with the New York Giants (later moving with them to San Francisco) at the age of 20. Mays made his MLB debut on May 25, 1951, quickly demonstrating his exceptional skills as a center fielder and hitter.