John Berardino (2005) - USC Athletics Hall of Fame

John Berardino

Induction:
2005
Class:
1937

John Berardino had the ultimate career double play: achieving great success both on the baseball diamond and the silver screen. He lettered at USC in 1937, starting in centerfield. He then spent 11 seasons (1939-42, 46-52) as an infielder in the majors with the St. Louis Browns, Cleveland Indians and Pittsburgh Pirates, sandwiching a stint in the Navy during World War II. He had a lifetime batting average of .249 and helped the Indians win the 1948 World Series. In Hollywood, he made his mark under the stage surname of Beradino. He was perhaps best known as Dr. Steve Hardy on the “General Hospital” television series for 33 years. He also appeared in numerous movies and TV shows during a career that spanned from 1948 to 1992, winning 3 Emmys. In 1993, he received a star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame. He died on May 19, 1996, at the age of 79.