Harold Dennis 'Dickie' Bird (Cricketer)

posted by Scott Andrew Bird

Harold Dennis 'Dickie' Bird played First Class cricket for both Yorkshire and Leicestershire for almost a decade, yet is perhaps better remembered as one of the game's greatest umpires.

Harold Dennis Bird was born 19 Apr 1933 in Barnsley, Yorkshire, England.

Harold played as an all-rounder for both Yorkshire and Leicestershire; alongside players such as Geoffrey Boycott and journalist Michael Parkinson. His First Class career covered the period 1956 - 1964. The last season included limited overs matches.

Harold retired at the end of the 1964 season at the age of 32, and spent a few years coaching and playing as a club professional. In 1970 he officiated his first game, and in 1973 he umpired the third test at Leeds between England and New Zealand. In total he umpired 66 tests and 69 one-day internationals. His final test was the 1996 second test, England vs India at Lords; his final First Class match was Yorkshire vs Warwickshire at Headingly in 1998.

In June 1996 Harold Bird was awarded an MBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours List, and became a fequent tea-time visitor to the Palace.