Darby, Jack

He graduated from Central High School in 1951 where he lettered in baseball and basketball. He pitched four no-hit games and played semi-professional baseball for several local teams in the 1950s. He was offered a professional contract with the Cincinnati Reds but opted to sign a baseball/basketball scholarship with the University of Alabama. He averaged a strikeout per inning while in high school. He also player for the American Legion Post 11 during the summers. He pitced two no-hit games for the Legion Team in 1950 as he helped his team make a run to the state tournament. Tragically, his career was cut short in 1953 when he died in an automobile accident while on a weekend pass from the U.S. Army. Each year his legacy continues with the presentation of the Jack Darby Memorial Trophy, which goes to the most outstanding athlete at Central High School.