January 29

Raman Subba Row was a prominent English cricketer who played for Surrey County and the national team in the 1950s. Renowned for his elegant batting technique, he scored multiple centuries in county cricket and represented England in Test matches. After retiring from play, he served as a respected match referee for the International Cricket Council, overseeing major international contests with fairness and insight. Subba Row also contributed to the game as a commentator and writer, sharing his deep understanding of cricket tactics and spirit. He remained involved in cricket administration until his death in 2024.

Born in Hamilton, Ontario, Pat Quinn played in the NHL as a rugged defenseman for teams including the Philadelphia Flyers. He won two Stanley Cups as a player with the Flyers in the 1970s’ ‘Broad Street Bullies’ era. After retiring, Quinn embarked on a successful coaching career, leading the Philadelphia Flyers and Vancouver Canucks to Stanley Cup Finals. He coached Team Canada to gold medals at the 2002 Winter Olympics and the 2004 World Cup of Hockey. Quinn served as general manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs and remained influential in Canadian hockey development. He passed away in 2014, celebrated as one of hockey’s most passionate leaders.

Raymond Keene achieved the Grandmaster title in 1976 following strong performances in international tournaments. He has represented England in multiple Chess Olympiads and European team championships. Keene has written over a hundred books on openings, tactics, and game analysis, making chess accessible to many. He has also worked as a commentator for major chess events and as a journalist covering the game. His contributions have played a significant role in popularizing chess worldwide.

Born in 1955 in Portland, Oregon, Greg Ballard starred at the University of Oregon before being drafted by the Washington Bullets in 1977. He played as a power forward and was a key member of the Bullets' 1978 NBA championship team. Ballard later enjoyed a decade-long career in the NBA, known for his scoring and rebounding. After retiring in 1987, he coached and mentored players in Europe and served as a player development coach for NBA teams. He passed away in 2016, remembered for his leadership on and off the court.

Born in 1955 in Marion, Arkansas, John Tate began boxing as an amateur and won the Golden Gloves heavyweight title in 1975. He turned professional in 1977 and captured the WBA heavyweight championship in 1979 with a victory over Gerrie Coetzee. Tate defended his title once before losing it to Mike Weaver in 1980. He faced top contenders like George Foreman and Greg Page during his career, compiling a record of 36 wins and 11 losses. Despite personal and health struggles, Tate's power and determination left a lasting mark on the heavyweight division. He died in 1998 from liver cancer.

Greg Louganis was born on January 29, 1960, in El Cajon, California. He won gold medals in springboard and platform diving at both the 1984 and 1988 Olympic Games. Louganis set multiple world records and dominated international competitions throughout the 1980s. After retiring, he authored the memoir Breaking the Surface, which details his experiences as an athlete and his personal struggles. He has become an advocate for HIV awareness and LGBTQ rights. Louganis was inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame in recognition of his contributions to the sport. His legacy endures as a symbol of athletic excellence and resilience.

Steve Sax was born on January 29, 1960, in Portland, Oregon. He debuted in Major League Baseball with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1981. Sax won the National League Rookie of the Year award in 1982 and went on to earn five All-Star selections. He helped the Dodgers capture the 1988 World Series title with his defensive skills and consistent hitting. Over his career, he also played for the New York Yankees, Chicago White Sox, and New York Mets. After retiring, Sax worked in coaching and broadcasting while supporting youth baseball programs. His career batting average of .281 and outstanding fielding record have made him a beloved figure among baseball fans.

Andre Reed is an American former professional football player who starred as a wide receiver in the National Football League. Drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the fourth round of the 1985 NFL Draft, he recorded over 8,000 receiving yards and 87 touchdowns in his career. Reed played in four consecutive Super Bowls with the Bills from 1990 to 1993, becoming a key target in their offense. Known for his strong hands and ability to make contested catches, he held the Bills’ franchise records for receptions and touchdowns for many years. He spent his final season with the Washington Redskins before retiring in 2000. Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2014, he remains celebrated as one of the greatest receivers of his era.

Dominik Hašek is a Czech former professional ice hockey goaltender widely regarded as one of the greatest in NHL history. Nicknamed ‘The Dominator,’ he won the Vezina Trophy six times for the league’s top goaltender and captured the Hart Trophy twice as the NHL’s most valuable player. Hašek played 16 seasons in the NHL with teams including the Chicago Blackhawks, Buffalo Sabres, Detroit Red Wings, and Ottawa Senators. He led the Czech national team to Olympic gold in 1998 and earned multiple World Championship medals. His unorthodox style, lightning-fast reflexes, and acrobatic saves made him a fan favorite. After retiring, he has been involved in coaching, youth development, and ice hockey promotion in the Czech Republic.

Sean Burke is a Canadian former professional ice hockey goaltender who played 17 seasons in the National Hockey League. Drafted by the New Jersey Devils in 1985, he went on to play for six NHL teams, including the Devils, Flyers, and Canucks. Burke recorded over 30 wins in a season four times and represented Canada in multiple international tournaments, winning gold at the 2002 Winter Olympics. After retiring in 2002, he briefly returned for the Tampa Bay Lightning before ending his playing career. He transitioned into coaching and scouting, serving as a goaltending coach and advisor for several NHL organizations. Burke is respected for his technical expertise and mentorship of future goaltenders.

Stacey King is an American former professional basketball player who spent the majority of his career with the Chicago Bulls. He was part of the Bulls’ championship teams in 1991, 1992, and 1993 alongside Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen. King played as a power forward/center before retiring in 1999 after stints with the Minnesota Timberwolves and Dallas Mavericks. He later served as head coach of the Timberwolves and transitioned to broadcasting, becoming a popular color commentator for Bulls television broadcasts. Known for his charismatic personality and insightful analysis, King has become a fan favorite off the court as well. He continues to contribute to basketball through coaching clinics and charitable work in the Chicago community.

Aeneas Williams is a Pro Football Hall of Famer who starred as a cornerback and safety in the NFL. He played 13 seasons, primarily with the Arizona Cardinals and the St. Louis Rams. He was selected to eight Pro Bowls and named first-team All-Pro five times. Williams helped the Rams win Super Bowl XXXIV with a key goal-line interception. After retiring, he worked in player relations and community outreach.