Cricketing Dickie Bird - the jovial umpire, who became 'the most famous and popular official in the game’s history', has died aged 92.
Guy Williams spoke to Dickie in 2023 for a feature in Yorkshire Life about his perfect day: This is what he recalled.
'My best day this year was on Wednesday April the 19th when I celebrated my 90th birthday. We had a marvellous lunch at Headingley where my best friend for many decades, Sir Michael Parkinson, with whom I played cricket at Barnsley, was present. It was the last time I saw him because he died in August, aged 88.
'I miss him very much. I spoke to Michael the day before he died, and in October, I attended the ceremony in Cudworth where he was born, to unveil a plaque in his honour. My birthday lunch was brilliant and there were more than 300 people there. They’re still talking about it.
'It was great to see so many friends. Jack Birkenshaw, who played for Yorkshire, Leicestershire and England and a former team-mate, was there as was Bryan Stott whom I played with at Yorkshire.
'Michael Parkinson was interviewed by his son Mike. He chatted about me, how we first met and how important our friendship was. It was a memorable occasion. The profits from the lunch went to my foundation which provides grants to young people, under 16, so they can take part in a sport of their choice.
'The one thing I was sorry about was that a few of my friends couldn’t be there because they were poorly. Clive Lloyd, the former West Indies captain, couldn’t make it, nor could Farokh Engineer, who played for India, and Jack Simmons, who was fine player for Lancashire.
'Since then, I’ve enjoyed watching Yorkshire at Headingley and seeing our young players develop.'
Dickie Bird: Umpired first class cricket from 1970-1998.He officiated in 66 Tests between 1973-1996 and in 69 One Day Internationals, including three World Cup Finals in 1975, 1979 and 1983.
Yorkshire Country Cricket Club paid tribute to Dickie;
Dickie Bird enjoyed an illustrious career as an international umpire, writing his name into history as the most famous and popular official in the game’s history. He is synonymous with Yorkshire Cricket, where he has been one of the most loyal supporters. In 2014, he was named President of The Yorkshire County Cricket Club, a role he held with pride and distinction, with the Club winning two County Championship titles during his tenure.
Born on 19 April 1933 in Barnsley, Yorkshire, Dickie Bird’s life was defined by his unwavering dedication to cricket. A former first-class cricketer for Yorkshire and Leicestershire, Bird’s playing career was cut short by injury, but his legacy was truly forged in his role as an international umpire. Over a distinguished career, he officiated in 66 Test matches and 69 One Day Internationals, including three World Cup finals — earning the admiration of players and fans alike for his integrity, humour, and unmistakable style.
Dickie Bird became a national treasure, known not only for his umpiring excellence but also for his eccentricities and warmth. He was appointed an MBE in 1986 and an OBE in 2012 in recognition of his outstanding contribution to cricket. He leaves behind a legacy of sportsmanship, humility, and joy — and a legion of admirers across generations.
The thoughts of everyone at the Yorkshire County Cricket Club are with Dickie’s family and friends during this time. He will be truly missed by all at the Club having spent an incredible amount of time in support of everyone here and will be remembered as one the greatest characters in Yorkshire’s history.
