Mark Fidrych and four friends carpool to Lakeland, Fla., in early 1975. Fidrych races through the minors and makes The Show.

Coach Jack Wallace and teammates recount Fidrych’s work ethic, leadership and magnetism as a 16-year-old freshman on the JV baseball team. And then Wallace cites a no-hitter that brought him to tears.

Thanks to Mark Philbin, Ann Fidrych, Jack Wallace, Brad Ostiguy, Neil Greenwald and Wayne Hey.

Mark Fidrych is held back in the first and second grades and regularly encounters bullies, who call him a “dummy.” His father, Paul, helps turn the young boy’s angst into an athletic gift.

Host Andy Baron discusses his chance ridealong with Mark Fidrych in Fidrych’s 10-wheel Mack truck in May 1996. The experience, which becomes the impetus for this podcast, sets him on a course of discovery about one of the most charismatic and eccentric major league baseball players of all time.

Coming soon to LTV Podcasting network: Listen to "The Bird - The Spirit of 76.” Former Boston-area reporter and editor Andy Baron explores the life and career of late Detroit Tigers pitcher Mark 'The Bird' Fidrych, one of the most charismatic and eccentric pro baseball players whose impact is still felt today. The series starts on June 28 on the LTV Podcasting Network or wherever you get your podcasts.

Trailer produced by Jake Cimperman.