Mark 'The Bird' Fidrych's Family Files Wrongful Death Lawsuit

NORTHBORO (CBS) - The family of former Major League pitcher Mark "The Bird" Fidrych has reportedly filed a lawsuit in connection with his death.

Fidrych died back in April 2009 while working on his dump truck at his home in Northboro. His clothes became caught in the truck's power takeoff shaft and he was suffocated.

According to the Telegram and Gazette, Fidrych's widow, Ann Pantazis, has filed a civil suit against Mack Trucks and two Mack dealers in Worcester.

The wrongful death lawsuit claims the truck was in a "dangerous and defective condition" when it was sold to Fidrych.

The plaintiffs denied the allegations, saying Fidrych's own negligence and modifications to the truck were to blame.

Fidrych, nicknamed "The Bird" because his hair resembled "Big Bird" on Sesame Street, was the 1976 American League Rookie of the Year with the Detroit Tigers.

He retired in 1983 after an injury-plagued career.