Doug Bird, a right-handed pitcher, spent a decade in Major League Baseball, showcasing his skills on the mound for several teams. Born on March 5, 1950, in Corona, California, Bird began his professional career when he was drafted by the Kansas City Royals in the third round of the 1969 MLB Draft. His journey to the majors was marked by steady progress through the Royals' minor league system, culminating in his MLB debut on April 29, 1973.

Bird's early years with the Royals were characterized by his role as a relief pitcher, where he quickly established himself as a reliable option out of the bullpen. In his rookie season, he appeared in 45 games, posting a commendable 3.37 ERA. His performance earned him a more prominent role in the Royals' pitching staff, and he continued to deliver solid outings over the next few seasons.

One of Bird's standout seasons came in 1975 when he transitioned into a starting role for part of the year. He pitched in 48 games, starting 13 of them, and recorded a 3.24 ERA with a career-high 11 wins. His versatility on the mound allowed the Royals to utilize him in various situations, whether as a starter or reliever, depending on the team's needs.

In 1976, Bird played a crucial role in helping the Royals reach the postseason for the first time in franchise history. He appeared in 50 games, maintaining a 2.52 ERA, and was instrumental in the team's success during the regular season. Although the Royals fell short in the American League Championship Series against the New York Yankees, Bird's contributions were vital to their playoff run.

Bird continued to be a dependable arm for the Royals through the late 1970s, but in 1979, his time with Kansas City came to an end when he was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies. His stint with the Phillies was brief, as he was traded again in 1980 to the New York Yankees. With the Yankees, Bird found himself back in the postseason, contributing to the team's efforts in the American League Championship Series.

In 1981, Bird signed with the Chicago Cubs, where he spent two seasons. During his time with the Cubs, he primarily served as a reliever, providing veteran leadership to a young pitching staff. His experience and steady presence were valuable assets to the team, even as his performance began to decline.

Bird's final stop in the majors came with the Boston Red Sox in 1983. Although his time with the Red Sox was short-lived, he managed to appear in 27 games before retiring from professional baseball. Over the course of his career, Bird compiled a 73-60 win-loss record, a 3.99 ERA, and 680 strikeouts in 349 appearances.

Throughout his career, Doug Bird was known for his adaptability and ability to perform under pressure.

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