Carroll Hardy

Sturgis High School. 1955 University of Colorado grad. The 6-foot, 185-pounder was a third-round draft pick of San Francisco 49ers. Starting flanker for the 49ers in 1955, catching 12 passes, four for touchdowns. Backfieldmates were Y.A. Tittle, Joe Perry and Hugh McElhenny. Afer that one NFL season, he concentrated on baseball. He played in the major leagues eight seasons, with Cleveland, Boston, Houston and Minnesota, hitting .225. His best batting average was .263 with Boston in 1961. He's the only man to pinch-hit for Ted Williams. Got his first big-league home run with Cleveland, pinch-hitting for Roger Maris. Worked more than 20 years in Denver Broncos' front office. As player personnel director he was the key figure in building Orange Crush defense. At Sturgis, Hardy helped the Scoopers to the 1951 Class A basketball title and he won the state long jump title that spring. At Colorado, he was named to CU's 25-man all-century football team. He won 10 letters in baseball (4), football (4) and track (2). In his senior year (1954), he was nationally ranked in scoring (68 points, eighth) and punting (41.6, fifth) and led the Buffaloes in interceptions and passing. In 1953, he intercepted three passes in one game. In his final football game at CU, he rushed for 238 yards on 10 carries against Kansas State.