Raised in Livermore, California, Max Baer began his boxing career in 1929, at age 20, in Oakland. He won his first twelve fights by knockouts. In 1933, wearing the Star of David on his trunks, he knocked out Max Schmeling, “the fighting pride of Nazi Germany,” in the tenth round. On June 14, 1934, at Madison Square Garden, Baer pounded Primo Carnera to the floor twelve times. He won the fight with an eleventh-round knockout, becoming heavyweight champion of the world.

Inducted into the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame in 1988.

Plaque location: City of Livermore