The first-ever Humboldt Crabs player to play in the Major Leagues, John Hardin Oldham, passed away on Feb. 24 at the age of 91.
Hardin Oldham, who was inducted into the Crabs hall of fame in 2016, played for the local collegiate summer league team for two seasons in the early 1950s.
He was born in Gilroy and grew up in Santa Cruz and Campbell and was a standout baseball player at Campbell High School.
After starring for four years with the Campbell varsity team, Hardin Oldham received a scholarship to play at San Jose State.
He set single-season and career records for strikeouts during his time at San Jose — records that still stand — and was inducted into the San Jose State Athletic Hall of Fame.
He played for the Crabs for two summers in 1952 and 1953 and was the team’s most reliable left-handed pitcher during his time in Humboldt.
Hardin Oldham was signed by the Cincinnati Reds in 1954 and made his MLB debut on Sept. 2, 1956, featuring as a pinch runner against the Chicago Cubs.
Hardin Oldham batted right and threw left-handed, a rarity among MLB players.
After his playing career ended, Hardin Oldham would go on to coach baseball for three decades.
He coached at San Jose City College from 1970 to 1984, leading the school to 390 wins.
He also coached at Santa Clara University from 1985 to 1997 and led the Broncos to four NCAA appearances and three West Coast Conference championships, compiling a record of 433–324–6.
He was inducted into the San Jose Sports Hall of Fame in 2008.
Categories: baseball, Community, Humboldt Crabs
Coach John Oldham was an important influence on my life. He was my baseball coach at Campbell High School. He was an incessant teacher of fundamentals. He did not accept any effort that was not 100%. He was honest, forthright and knowledgeable. I cannot thank him enough for encouraging and enhancing my love of the great sport of baseball . Great coach, Great man.