Willie “Stretch” McCovey
The San Francisco Giants’ first baseman from 1959-73 and 1977-80, Willie McCovey established a career record of 521 home runs. This places him in the all-time top ten. Nicknamed “Stretch” for his ability to catch wide and high throws to first base, he also was named National League Most Valuable Player in 1969, with 45 […]
O.J. Simpson
While attending Galileo High, City College of San Francisco and USC, O.J. Simpson set records at each school for rushing. When he retired in 1979, after playing for the Buffalo Bills and the San Francisco 49ers, he was the second-leading NFL career rusher with 11,236 yards. O.J. is regarded by many as the greatest ball […]
Lynn “Pappy” Waldorf
As head football coach at University of California from 1947-56, Pappy Waldorf revived the program and established a 67-32-4 record. His teams qualified for three consecutive Rose Bowls and set a 7-1-2 record against rival Stanford. After retiring from Cal, he joined the 49ers as head of personnel and scouting. He was an All-American tackle […]
Donna de Varona
At age 13, Donna de Varona, representing the Santa Clara Swim Club, was the youngest member of the 1960 Olympic women’s swim team. She set a world record there in the 400-meter individual medley and won two gold medals at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. That same year, she was named “Outstanding Female Athlete of the […]
Sam Chapman
As a star member of the University of California “Thunder Teams” in 1935, 1936 and 1937, Sam Chapman was a star offensive and defensive halfback, He was named to six All-American teams in 1937. He also was a power hitter and swift fielder for the UC baseball team. His professional career began in 1938 as […]