Devoted family man, beloved husband, grandfather and friend
Herb Kosten, an exceptional athlete, was All-Memphis at Central High in baseball and basketball, the MVP of the state basketball tournament and leading hitter in the city.
He then attended the University of Alabama, where he excelled in baseball, being named All-SEC 3 times and leading his team to the 1955 SEC Championship.
After graduation he played in the Cincinnati Reds organization. Herb was voted to the University of Alabama All-Century Team (1893- 1993).
Herb was a top amateur tennis player, winning dozens of club, regional and national tournaments. He also became an umpire on the professional tour and sat in “the chair” in many major tennis matches including several at the US Open.
Community Involvement
Herb founded the Girls 18 and Under National Clay Court Championships at the Racquet Club, served as President of the Racquet Club and in 2000 refurbished the tennis courts at the JCC which were renamed the Kosten Tennis Center.
Herb served as President of the Memphis Pros ABA basketball team, the first major league sports franchise in Memphis. He was an accomplished builder and along with this wife Marilyn owned and operated Little Miss Tennis, manufacturer of childrens tennis clothing, founded in 1974 and still thriving today.
Above all, he was a devoted family man, beloved husband, grandfather and friend. His zest for life was unmatched!! Always positive, seeing the best in everyone and enjoying every aspect of his life.
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