After three years as a regular at the beginning of his career, including a 16-HR
season in 1940, Berardino became a utility man who was called a "one-man infield"
for his versatility. He hit a grand slam off Yankee relief ace Johnny Murphy in 1940.
After playing for the Browns, Indians, and Pirates by the end of 1950, Berardino
appeared with all three teams, in the same order, over the last two years of his
career.
Following his release by Pittsburgh in 1952, Berardino had to hock his
1948 Indians World Series ring. He had appeared in a few of the "Our Gang" comedies
as a child actor, and Bill Veeck once insured the infielder's face as a publicity
stunt. Berardino dropped the second "r" from his name and returned to acting, spending
over 25 years as Dr. Steve Hardy on the popular soap opera "General Hospital."
(WB)
FROM THE BASEBALL CHRONOLOGY
»June 18, 1940:
The Browns top the Red Sox 11–7 in St. Louis when Johnny Berardino cracks a grand slam off Jim Bagby in the 10th inning.
BALLPLAYERS | TEAMS | CHRONOLOGY | TODAY | BOOKS | NEWSLETTER | ERRATA | FAQ
