Induction Year: 2014

James Addison Baker III (born 1930) is an American attorney and governmental official. Baker was a top singles player in high school and later captain of his freshman tennis team at Princeton University. Baker won the singles championship at the Houston Country Club 6 times between 1958 and 1964.

Baker served as the Chief of Staff in President Ronald Reagan's first administration and in the final year of the administration of President George H. W. Bush. Baker also served as Secretary of the Treasury from 1985 to 1988 in the second Reagan administration, and Secretary of State in the George H. W. Bush administration.

Secretary of State James A. Baker and President George H. W. Bush teamed together in service to their country and on the tennis court for many decades. Long-time doubles partners, Bush and Baker were inducted into the Texas Tennis Hall of Fame as a team.

In many of their public appearances, President Bush and the Honorable James Baker showcased the game of tennis. Whether it was a pro-charity event, a fundraiser for a worthy cause or by supporting the game by providing a special presence, the Bush-Baker duo did it selflessly because they loved the game of tennis. While both gentlemen were accomplished players, they were inducted into the Texas Tennis Hall of Fame for their service to the game. Both men encouraged youngsters to play tennis, vigorously supported charitable tennis tournaments and generously gave of their time to promote tennis for decades. Their ability on the court and their service to Texas tennis makes them exemplary ambassadors of the game.