Jim was a member of one of the best pitching staffs of the 1960s and 1970s that included Jim Palmer, Dave McNally, Tom Phoebus, and Mike Cuellar.  He earned a championship ring in the 1970 World Series and was part of the dominant 1969 American League champs who lost that year's World Series to the "Miracle Mets".  An 18 game winner in 1968, Hardin pitched 4-1/2 years with Baltimore, half of one season with the Yankees and one year with the Braves. He finished his career with a record of 43-32 and a 3.19 ERA. 

 

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Baby picture

Little League team (lower left)

Bonus contract with the newly-formed New York Mets

Paycheck from the Orioles' triple-A affiliate, Rochester Red Wings, dated May 1, 1967 - less than two months before Jim was called up to the major league.

Jim's endorsement of the paycheck shown above.