A bit of trivia in a pinch

Here is some information for those of you looking to make – and, of course, win – a friendly wager.

There is only player ever to pinch hit for Roger Maris, Ted Williams and Carl Yastrzemski.

And he does all of this in a span of four seasons from 1958-61.

Even more remarkable is this man previously plays in the National Football League, where in 1955 with the San Francisco 49ers he catches four touchdown passes from future pro football Hall of Fame quarterback Y.A. Tittle.

Of course, that could be part of an entirely separate trivia question, or you can roll all of this background information into the same question.

Your call.

As for your answer as to this unique athlete, we are waiting …

And waiting …

And waiting a bit more …

Waiting, of course, until you come up with the name of Carroll Hardy, who – beyond pinch-hitting for the historically unappreciated Roger Maris, and Hall of Famers Ted Williams and Carl Yastrzemski – is an outfielder who hits a modest .225 for four teams during his eight seasons in the major leagues.

Prior to that, Hardy is a three-sport star – football, track and, naturally, baseball – at the University of Colorado.

After his playing career in the major leagues, Hardy spends more than 20 seasons in the NFL as the director of player development for the Denver Broncos.

Among his prize pupils with the Broncos is future Hall of Fame quarterback John Elway.

Hmm. Could be another trivia question somewhere in there.