Billie Jean King Signed Tennis Racquet & Leather Case - 1970s

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You'll want to own this beautiful Billie Jean King branded and signed mid-century wooden tennis racquet and leather case. Excellent … Read more You'll want to own this beautiful Billie Jean King branded and signed mid-century wooden tennis racquet and leather case. Excellent condition wood, tape, leather, and catgut. This was the racquet that was on the market in the late 1960's and early 1970s when Billie Jean King beat Bobby Riggs in the "Battle of the Sexes" tournament at the Houston Astrodome September 20, 1973. The prize money was $100,000 and the match was watched by ~50+ million American households.

Certified Signature at opening of her biographical play "Love All" at San Diego's La Jolla Playhouse on June 9th, 2023. I had her sign it myself. She was gracious as always. Tennis Racquet Size: 27" long x 9" wide x 1.25" deep (4 1/2 grip) and including the "Made in Belgium" stamp on the racquet head.

Billie Jean King (1943-). The most important woman sports figure of the twentieth century and quite possibly one of the most important and consequential women in modern human history. She holds a record 20 Wimbledon titles and a whopping 39 major tennis tournament titles in total. She is a Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient for her advocacy of women in sports and equality in modern society and her championing LGBTQ+ rights throughout the world. She is represented in the Smithsonian and Tennis Hall of Fame. Elton John & Bernie Taupin wrote the great song "Philadelphia Freedom" in her honor. Known as a shapeshifter who transcended the sport of tennis, King was a true pioneer for equality and social justice.

I will donate 5% of purchase price to Billie Jean King's Foundation to the Women’s Sport Foundation, an educational non-profit charity founded by Billy Jean King in 1974. See less