Biography of Female Tennis Pro Billie Jean Moffitt
Biography of Female Tennis Pro Billie Jean Moffitt
Billie Jean Moffitt was born November 22, 1943 in Long Beach, California. She was named Billie Jean for her who was a Navy man who served in World War II. In 1948 Billie’s brother Randy was born. At a young age Billie developed an interest in softball, basketball, and football. She was given the name “Tom Boy”, a name given to girls who happen to like sports better than little girl things. Her mother suggested a more feminine sport. Billie decided to play tennis. She saved up money for her first racquet by doing odd jobs around her neighborhood. She bought her first racquet when she was 10 years old.
Billie took lessons at a public park in Long Beach with Mr. Clyde Walker. Mr. Walker taught her how to hit the ball, and immediately Billie knew she would love tennis. Billie Jean’s parents clearly spelled out neatness, discipline, patriotism, and right and wrong. They also instilled in their children a desire to win. Everyday Billie played tennis and her brother, Randy, played baseball at the park. Randy later became a pitcher for the San Francisco Giants. Billie entered her first tournament at age 11. When the picture of the players in the tournament was going to be taken, she was asked to stay out of the picture because she was not wearing a tennis dress. This left a deep impression on the 11 year old, and she decided then and there that someday she would make some changes in tennis. (Church, 1976)
“Tennis had been played for hundreds of years before Billie Jean discovered it. In the courts of Persia and in the castles of the Middle Ages, it was first played with a hand glove, then with a paddle, and later with a racquet. From the very earliest times, tennis had been associated with the upper class. Rules and etiquette surrounding the game were very strict and prissy: only white could be worn; no one could shout at matches; only polite quiet applause was allowed. Too bad that such a marvelous sport as tennis was surrounded with such stuffiness.” (Deford, 1982)
Billie Jean’s career had been a career of firsts. In 1968 she was the first woman...