Tag: Frank Mariani

The San Diego Friars were a franchise in World Team Tennis that played primarily at the San Diego Sports Arena from 1975 to 1978.   The Friars also played occasional matches at the Anaheim Convention Center. The team was best known for signing Rod “The Rocket” Laver in February 1976.  The Australian superstar, then 38 years old, is one of the greatest tennis players of all time and the only person ever two have completed two Grand Slams (1962 and 1969). Laver played three seasons for the Friars from 1976 through the club’s final season in 1978.