Mark Fidrych Autographed American League Baseball Inscribed ROY 76,’The Bird. Mark Fidrych was a pitcher for the Detroit Tigers. The 2-time All-Star began his career winning the 1976 Rookie of the Year award. Fidrych passed away in 2009 at the age of 54. This Rawlings official American League (rare Gene Budig) baseball was hand signed and inscribed “ROY 76″ and “The Bird” by Mark Fidrych. The autograph includes authentication from PSA/DNA.