Tennis great, Don Budge was first to win the great slam in 1938 and was both the Wimbledon and U.S. Champion in 1937. The Number one player of the era, he twice won the national amateur tennis title and three times won top professional honors. He was born and raised in Oakland and attended University High School, where he excelled in baseball and basketball as well. Learning his tennis from the legendary Tom Stowe at the Claremont Tennis Club, Budge often knocked the racquet from his opponent’s hand with his powerful serves and forehands. “He was the perfect tennis player,” said Stowe. “He wanted to be the best and he was.”

Inducted into the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame in 1982.

Plaque location: Berkeley Tennis Club