1977

Hamilton F. “Ham” Richardson, Louisiana, inducted in 1977 Hamilton Richardson

Won two NCAA Singles Championships in 1953 and 1954 while attending Tulane University. The university made him a charter member of its Athletic Hall of Fame.
Named a Rhodes scholar and earned his master’s degree from Oxford University.
Diagnosed in 1949, at the age of 15, with diabetes. Doctors advised him against playing tennis. He obviously did not comply.
“Ham” went on to win 17 national titles and play on seven United States Davis Cup Teams, winning the Cup in 1954 and 1958.
Ranked number one in the United States in 1956 and 1958.
In retirement, “Ham” founded the New York investment and venture capital firm Richardson and Associates.
Married to author Midge Turk and had three children. “Ham” died in 2006 from diabetes complications.

Bryan M. “Bitsy” Grant, Georgia,inducted in 1977 Bitsy Grant

Nicknamed “Itsy Bitsy the Giant Killer” because of his five feet, four inch frame, Grant was a pioneering representative for the game of tennis in Georgia.
In 1954, The Bitsy Grant Tennis Center, which was once the headquarters of the Atlanta Lawn Tennis Association, was named in his honor.
Two time quarterfinalists at Wimbledon, and played four U.S. Davis Cup Teams between 1935-1938.
Played on the University of North Carolina’s 1931 team that won the Southern Conference title. Selected All-American that same year.
Served in the Pacific Islands around New Guinea during WWII where he was involved in heavy firefights.
Inducted into the International Hall of Fame in Newport, Rhode Island in 1972.
Bitsy Grant died at the age of 76.

Hamilton F. “Ham” Richardson, Louisiana, 1977