Jerry Coleman signed with the New York Yankees after graduation from San Francisco’s Lowell High School in 1942, but served instead as a decorated Marine Corps fighter pilot in World War II.  He finally joined the Yankees in 1949 after several seasons in the franchise’s farm system and won Rookie of the Year honors.  A slick-fielding second baseman and clutch hitter, he was the Most Valuable Player of the 1950 World Series, twice driving home the winning run in the Yanks’ four-game sweep of the Philadelphia Phillies.  His career was again interrupted by a call to duty, this time in the Korean War and he missed most of the 1952 and 1953 seasons.  He retired as a player after hitting .364 in the seven-game 1957 World Series.  After his playing days were over, he enjoyed a long career in baseball broadcasting.

Inducted into the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame in 2007.

Plaque location: SFO Gate 85