William “Bill” Fenton Russell
University of San Francisco graduate Bill Russell led the Dons in the 1956 national championship and a string of 61 unbeaten games. Twice named All-American and 1956 College Player of the Year, he was key to the 1956 U.S. Olympic championship at Melbourne. He had an outstanding pro basketball career, bringing the Boston Celtics 11 […]
Ernest “Ernie” A. Nevers
The greatest fullback in Stanford history, Ernie Nevers earned the title “America’s all-time one-man team” for prowess in all aspects of football. An All-American, he was voted to College Football’s All-Time All-America Team by consensus of the Football Writers of America and NCAA in 1969. Nevers earned 11 letters as a collegian, excelling in football, […]
Willie Howard Mays, Jr.
An outstanding outfielder for the New York Giants (which in 1958, became the San Francisco Giants), Willie Mays was named Rookie of the Year in 1951 and, for over 20 years, drew admiration for his hitting, fielding, throwing, and daring base-running. National League’s Most Valuable Player in 1954 and 1965, he was named to an […]
Angelo “Hank” Luisetti
Stanford University, 1935-38 Native San Franciscan and Galileo High School graduate Hank Luisetti revolutionized the game of basketball with his one-handed shot. Recognized as the greatest player in West Coast history, he led Stanford to three consecutive Pacific Coast Championships, from 1936 to 1938. Three-time All-American as a collegian, he scored 1,596 points in his […]
Joseph “Joe” Paul DiMaggio
One of the greatest outfielders of modern baseball, Joe DiMaggio, the “Yankee Clipper,” began his career with the San Francisco Seals in 1932. Hitting safely in 61 consecutive games, which set a Pacific Coast record, he joined New York Yankees in 1936. In 1941, he set the all-time major league consecutive game hitting streak at […]