Cricket legend and Freeman of Barnsley Dickie Bird dies aged 92

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Harold Dennis “Dickie” Bird  OBE, one of cricket’s most beloved figures, who died peacefully at home at the age of 92. 

Dickie, who was awarded the Freedom of the Borough of Barnsley in 2000, was a favourite with cricket fans for his no-nonsense nature and sense of humour and is considered a sporting national treasure. 

He is honoured in Barnsley with a six-foot statue in the centre of town created by Barnsley’s own famous sculptor and friend of Dickie, Graham Ibbeson. 

Mayor of Barnsley Cllr Dave Leech said: “Dickie was a global sporting icon, a wonderful ambassador for Barnsley, and a friend to anyone he met.  

“He was rightly awarded Freedom of the Borough of Barnsley which is a role I know he cherished. He would always attend Civic events whenever he could, including Remembrance Sunday and commemorations of historical events and battles, military parades, the annual Proud of Barnsley Awards, and any event where he could enjoy the company of Barnsley people. 

“He attended my Mayor Making ceremony in May, where he was in fine spirits and everyone made a beeline to speak to him.  

“I’m grateful to Dickie for all he’s done for Barnsley, especially the generous support he has given to many charities, including Barnsley Hospital's Tiny Hearts Appeal, which raised funds for a new neonatal unit. 

“My heartfelt condolences go out to his family and friends.”    

Dickie’s sister, Marjorie Wyatt, said: “Dickie was always proud of putting Barnsley on the map – he was Barnsley through and through. 

“He was very caring and used to bring us home souvenirs. 

“I would wash his cricket whites and his famous white flat cap, and he always appreciated that they would be immaculate and he would be turned out the best. 

“What I will remember most about him was that he was always good at making decisions!” 

Born on 19 April 1933 in Barnsley, Dickie had a lifelong love of sport, and cricket in particular. 

He played as a teenager at Barnsley Cricket Club, where fellow sportsman Geoff Boycott and the journalist Michael Parkinson were teammates. 

Dickie signed for Yorkshire Cricket Club in 1956, before joining Leicestershire in 1959. After retiring due to injury, he spent some time coaching, before turning his attention to umpiring. 

During a distinguished career spanning more than two decades, he officiated in 66 test matches and 69 one-day internationals, including three World Cup finals. 

Dickie became a national treasure, known not only for his umpiring excellence but also for his eccentricities and warmth. His autobiography sold over a million copies, and he remained a cherished figure in British sport and culture throughout his life. 

He received an MBE in 1986 and was later awarded an OBE in 2012 for services to cricket and to charity. 

Dickie set up the Dickie Bird Foundation with the aim of helping financially disadvantaged young people to participate in sport and fulfil their ambitions. 

In 2014, he was named President of Yorkshire County Cricket Club, a role he held with pride and distinction. He also received honorary doctorates from Huddersfield, Leeds and Sheffield Hallam Universities and an honorary fellowship of Bradford College.

Dickie was awarded the Freedom of Barnsley in 2000 “in recognition of the success he has achieved locally, nationally and internationally in his chosen and lifelong commitment to cricket and the pleasure and honour this has given to the community, and in particular for his consistent endeavours in promoting the image of, and acting as a world-wide ambassador for, the borough.” 

Dickie never married, often saying he had wed himself to cricket. He leaves behind a legacy of sportsmanship, humility, and joy.

Further details regarding memorial arrangements will be shared in due course.