February 24

Shiranui Kōemon rose through sumo's ranks during the late Edo period to achieve the esteemed title of yokozuna. He was admired for his fluid techniques and powerful thrusts, captivating fans with his performances. He contributed to the formalization of ceremonial practices, including the Shiranui style ring-entering ceremony. His influence on sumo rituals and training methods endures in modern sumo culture. Shiranui remains a revered figure, honored for elevating the sport's prestige and tradition.

Tony Conigliaro (1945-1990) burst onto the Major League scene in 1964 with the Boston Red Sox, hitting 24 home runs as a teenager. His rookie season excitement and powerful swing earned him a spot on the All-Star team. In 1967, he suffered a life-threatening beaning that left him with a damaged retina and threatened his career. Remarkably, Conigliaro returned to the field in 1969 and hit 20 home runs, though his vision never fully recovered. After retiring, he worked as a coach and scout, remaining beloved by fans for his courage. His legacy as one of baseball's most tragic and inspiring figures endures in Red Sox lore.

Born in 1941, Bobby Moore captained West Ham United before becoming the leader of England's national football team. In 1966, he famously lifted the Jules Rimet Trophy after England's only World Cup triumph. Renowned for his composure, tactical acumen, and elegant defending, Moore is often cited among football's greatest defenders. He appeared in over 100 international matches and captained his country in three World Cups. After retiring as a player, Moore had brief coaching stints and remained active in football charity work. He was posthumously inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame in recognition of his enduring impact on the sport.

He was born Herman Brix and captured the silver medal in shot put at the 1928 Amsterdam Olympics. After injuries curtailed his athletic career, he transitioned to acting under the name Bruce Bennett. He starred as Tarzan in the 1935 serial The New Adventures of Tarzan and appeared in more than 50 films, including the 1948 Superman serial. Known for his athletic build and versatility, he worked steadily through the Golden Age of Hollywood and into television. Bennett’s career spanned from the 1930s to the early 2000s, making him one of the longest-working actors of his time, and he lived to be 100 years old.

He played college football at the University of Tennessee, where he set school records rushing and returning kickoffs. Drafted by the Denver Broncos in the seventh round of the 2004 NFL Draft, he backed up star running backs and saw action in playoff games. In 2006, he joined the Chicago Bears and contributed as a special teams returner. Nash collapsed and died from an undiagnosed heart condition shortly after participating in Super Bowl XLI festivities in Miami. His sudden passing at age 24 brought attention to cardiac screening in professional athletes and charitable initiatives in his memory.

She played as a pitcher in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League during the early 1950s. Renowned for her strong pitching arm and competitive spirit, she contributed to her team’s playoff runs. After retiring from baseball, she earned a degree in psychology and became a licensed therapist. She specialized in sports psychology and advocated for mental health awareness among athletes. Her pioneering career bridged athletics and therapy, inspiring future generations of women in sports and health professions.

Born in Dublin, he started his career with St James’s Gate before earning a transfer to Aston Villa, where he played as both goalkeeper and outfield player. He won 35 caps for the Republic of Ireland national soccer team between 1948 and 1956. Uniquely, he was also a star Gaelic footballer for Dublin, playing in two All-Ireland finals. After retiring as a player, he managed Drumcondra FC and contributed to youth football development in Ireland. His versatility and leadership made him one of Ireland’s most celebrated dual-code athletes.