2-time All-Star pitcher for the Detroit Tigers from 1976 to 1980; won the 1976 American League Rookie of the Year Award after leading the MLB in ERA; career was shortened due to injuries.
He was a 10th round pick of the Tigers in 1974 after stellar careers at Algonquin Regional High School in Massachusetts and Worcester Academy.
His tall stature, lanky frame, and humorous persona (he often talked to his baseballs) earned him the nickname of "The Bird," after the "Sesame Street" character, Big Bird.
He and his wife, Ann, had a daughter named Jessica.
He was the 1976 runner-up for the Cy Young honor, which was ultimately awarded to Jim Palmer.
