Fidrych, Frampton & the Freedom Train

I just learned that Mark Fidrych has died in an accident on his farm. Sad news. Prayers go out for peace and comfort to his many family & friends who mourn his loss today. I never knew Mark the man, the person, the human being. I did know the "The Bird," the iconic ball player who along with Peter Frampton (and his '76 release Frampton Live) and the Bi-Centennial America's Freedom Train, became forever etched in my memory as defining artifacts of 1976. Oh yes, a peanut farmer running for President is up there too, but it was the year of "The Bird" that truly made me, a 9 year old boy, fall in love with America's game as America celebrated its 200th birthday. "Baby, I DID love your way" on the mound and you gave all of us fans, both young and old, a special summer of joy. Thanks for the memories Mark, I'll cherish them.