Hall of Fame
Frank Dardis, Class of 1980, Baseball
For Frank Dardis, his time as a Duhawk was one unlike what many students today face, but he was adamant in being successful, not only in the classroom and the diamond, but in his life outside of Loras as well.
A 1980 graduate of Loras College, Dardis earned cum laude honors with a degree in Accounting. After first enrolling at Loras in the fall of 1972, Dardis took a leave of absence from his studies to serve our country in the Air Force during the Vietnam War. Remaining committed to his academics, Dardis returned to Loras in 1977 to resume his education.
A standout student-athlete, Dardis helped to anchor the Loras pitching staff, compiling a 22-9 overall record during his career. When he wasn't toeing the rubber, Dardis assumed the duties as a first baseman and provided a reliable bat in the lineup, batting .310 in 1978. His accomplishments on the field earned him All-District honors in back-to-back seasons.
During the 1980 season, Dardis was not only responsible for his academics and athletics, but also was married with two children and worked full-time as a post office employee.
Following his time at Loras, Dardis served as a player/manager for the Peosta Cubs semi-professional baseball team for 40 years. During that time, Dardis was also the Prairie League Baseball President for 30 years, the Peosta City Clerk for 18 years, and a Field of Dreams Ghost Baseball Player.
Dardis was one of the actors cast for the 1989 film, Field of Dreams, where he portrayed one of the eight baseball players from the 1919 Chicago White Sox.
