Harold Dickie Bird, one of cricket’s most iconic umpires, has died at the age of 92. He was born on 19 April 1933 in Barnsley, Yorkshire. Bird first played county cricket for Yorkshire and Leicestershire, but injuries curtailed his playing career. He went on to become the game’s most recognisable umpire, officiating in 66 Test matches between 1973 and 1996 and 69 One Day Internationals, including three World Cup finals.
He was known for his integrity, humor, and unique style on the field, Bird quickly became a beloved figure worldwide. In 2014, he was appointed president of Yorkshire County Cricket Club, where he remained a respected and familiar presence. Yorkshire described him as “one of the greatest characters in the club’s history,” while chair Colin Graves called him “a brilliant guy who loved being part of Yorkshire” and said he would be deeply missed.
In 2017, Bird became an ambassador for the Children’s Heart Surgery Fund (CHSF) and made an initial donation of £30,000 while visiting the Leeds Congenital Heart Unit, where he met newborn Hugo Owen, a baby diagnosed with a congenital heart condition. At the age of 88, in 2021, Bird gave another £15,000 to the CHSF, reuniting with Hugo, then a healthy four-year-old, and his mother, Natasha.
Dickie Bird, born 19 April 1933 in Barnsley, Yorkshire, began his career as a cricketer for Yorkshire and Leicestershire, but injuries ended his playing days early at the age of 32. He turned to umpiring and umpired in his first county match in 1970, a decision that reshaped his life and cricket history. Over the next two decades, Bird became the world’s most recognisable umpire, officiating in 66 Test matches, 69 ODIs, and three World Cup finals between 1973 and 1996.
His autobiography sold over a million copies, and he even appeared on the BBC’s Desert Island Discs, where he chose the Wisden Almanack as his book. Bird was honored with an MBE in 1986 and an OBE in 2012 for his services to cricket. He became a “national treasure,” and was known for his eccentricities, humour, and deep respect for the game
In 2014, Bird was named President of Yorkshire County Cricket Club, a role he carried with pride as the county won two Championship titles under his presidency. Yorkshire described him as “one of the greatest characters in Yorkshire’s history.” Even long after retirement, Bird stayed close to the game, famously ringing the bell at Lord’s in 2015.
FAQs.
Q. Why is Dickie Bird called Dickie?
A. Dickie Bird’s full name was Harold Dennis Bird. He got the nickname “Dickie” at school.
Q. Does Dickie Bird have children?
A. No, Dickie Bird never married or had children, saying he regretted prioritizing work over family.
Q. Where did Dickie Bird live?
A. Bird lived in Barnsley, Yorkshire, where a bronze statue of him now stands. He continued attending local matches occasionally.
Q. What was the last Test of Dickie Bird?
A. Dickie Bird’s final Test was in 1996 at Lord’s, England vs India, where he received a standing ovation and a guard of honor from the players.
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