by Harold ‘Dickie’ Bird, who crossed his role as a test referee to one of the best -known personalities of his sport, died peacefully at the age of 92.
The Yorkshire County Cricket Club said that with “profound sadness” it was the death of Bird, her club president since 2014, and described him as “one of the biggest characters in the history of Yorkshire”.
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Bird withdrew from a modest career as a player at the age of 32 and led a County match for the first time in 1970, a step of a career that would define him.
When he retired, Bird was greater than cricket after he had served in 66 test games and three world championship finals, sold over a million copies of his autobiography and appeared on the Desert Island Discs of the BBC – for which his book was the choice of Wisden Almanack.
Yorkshire said in an explanation: “With profound sadness, the Cricket Club of Yorkshire County announces the death of Harold Dennis“ Dickie ”Vogel MBE OBE, one of the most popular cricket figures that died peacefully at home at the age of 92.
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“Dickie Bird had a famous career as an international referee and wrote his name as the most famous and most popular officer in the history of the game.
‘Dickie’ Bird was defined by a tireless devotion to cricket – and Yorkshire (Anna Gowthorpe/Pa)
“He is a synonym for Yorkshire Cricket, where he was one of the most loyal followers. In 2014 he was appointed President of the Yorkshire County Cricket Club, a role that he was proud and awarded, whereby the club won two titles of the County Championship during his term.
Dickie Bird’s life was born on April 19, 1933 in Barnsley, Yorkshire, and was defined by his unshakable engagement for Cricket.
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“As a former cricket player for Yorkshire and Leicestershire, Bird’s game career was canceled by injuries, but his inheritance was really done in his role as an international referee.
“In a respected career, he headed 66 test games and 69 caps, including three World Cup final – and deserved the admiration of players and fans for his integrity, his humor and unmistakable style.
Yorkshire described referee Dickie Bird as a “national treasure” (pa wire)
“Dickie Bird became a national treasure that was known not only for his referee excessive, but also for his eccentricities and warmth.
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“He was appointed MBE in 1986 and in 2012 as OBE to recognize his outstanding contribution to the cricket. He leaves a legacy of sportiness, humility and joy – and a legion of admirers over generations.
“The thoughts of everyone in the Yorkshire County Cricket Club are with Dickie’s family and friends during this time.
“He is really missing by everyone in the club after having spent an incredible amount of time for everyone here, and will be remembered as one of the greatest figures in Yorkshire’s story.”
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The Yorkshire chairman Colin Graves told Talksport: “It is a sad day. He was a brilliant guy who loved being part of the Yorkshire setup and everything we do here. He will be sadly missed at Headingley.”
