A native of Athens, Georgia, he was a left-handed pitcher who stood 5 feet 7 inches (1.70 m) tall and weighed 155 pounds (70 kg).

[1] Heard began his pro career in the Negro leagues after serving in the United States Army during World War II.

[4] Promoted the following season to the top level of the minors, the Open Classification Pacific Coast League, Heard won 16 games for the Portland Beavers.

[4] The Orioles, newly transplanted to Baltimore as the former St. Louis Browns, purchased Heard's contract that winter.

A grand slam home run by Chicago's light-hitting Cass Michaels was the most damaging blow.