February 26

Grover Cleveland Alexander was born in Elba, Nebraska in 1887. He made his Major League debut in 1911 and quickly became known for his powerful curveball. Alexander led the National League in wins six times during his career. He played for the Philadelphia Phillies, Chicago Cubs, and St. Louis Cardinals. In 1915, he famously struck out 16 batters in a single game. Alexander served in World War I and overcame shell shock to return to professional baseball. After retiring as a player, he worked as a coach and scout. He finished his career with 373 wins and was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1938. Alexander passed away in 1950, celebrated as one of baseball's greatest pitchers.

Halina Konopacka won the gold medal in the inaugural women's discus throw event at the 1928 Amsterdam Olympics, setting a new Olympic record. Beyond her athletic achievements, she was a talented poet whose verses explored themes of nature, patriotism, and the human spirit. During World War II, Konopacka served as an ambulance driver and later joined Polish expatriate communities in Europe. She wrote several poetry collections in Polish and French, earning recognition for her lyrical style and emotional depth. After the war, she remained active in sports administration and cultural circles, promoting physical education and literature. Konopacka's legacy endures as a pioneer for women in athletics and a voice of poetic resilience.

Jean-Pierre Wimille emerged as one of France’s leading Grand Prix drivers in the 1930s. He achieved major victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1937 and 1939. After serving in the Free French forces during World War II, he returned to racing and continued to compete at the highest level. Wimille’s smooth driving style and technical skill earned him respect among peers and fans alike. His career was tragically cut short when he died in a crash during practice in 1949.

Vic Woodley was a distinguished English goalkeeper who spent much of his career at Chelsea FC. He made over 200 appearances for the club between the early 1930s and late 1940s, earning a reputation for his quick reflexes and command of the penalty area. Woodley also represented England at the international level, winning 19 caps and featuring in key pre-war matches. After World War II interrupted his playing career, he transitioned into coaching and remained influential in football circles. His dedication and skill preserved his legacy as one of England’s leading goalkeepers of his generation.

Danny Gardella (1920–2005) was an American baseball outfielder for the New York Giants in the mid-1940s. In 1946, he left Major League Baseball to play in the Mexican League, protesting MLB's reserve clause and sparking one of the first legal challenges to league labor practices. Gardella sued Major League Baseball, a lawsuit that laid important groundwork for future players' rights and the eventual rise of free agency. After his playing career, he served as a trainer and coach in various minor and independent leagues, sharing his experience with younger athletes. While his time in the majors was brief, Gardella's legal battle had lasting impact on the sport's labor history. His courage paved the way for later player advocacy and contract freedom in professional sports.

Bill Johnston (1922–2007) was an Australian cricketer best known as a left-arm fast-medium bowler and a key member of Don Bradman's undefeated 'Invincibles' tour of England in 1948. Across 40 Test matches, Johnston claimed 160 wickets with his precise swing and seam movement. After retiring from the game, he founded a successful timber and sports equipment company, applying the discipline and leadership he honed on the cricket field to the business world. Johnston was honored with induction into the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame and appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for his services to cricket. Remembered for his competitive spirit and sportsmanship, he remains a celebrated figure in Australian sporting history.

Everton Weekes (1925–2020) was a legendary Barbadian cricketer and member of the famed "Three Ws" alongside Frank Worrell and Clyde Walcott. He made his Test debut in 1948 and scored five centuries in his first five innings, a record feat. Renowned for his elegant batting technique, he amassed over 4,800 Test runs across 48 matches. After retiring from play, Weekes served as an umpire and referee, continuing his lifelong dedication to the game. He remains celebrated as one of the greatest batsmen in West Indies cricket history.

Verne Gagne (1926–2015) was an American athlete who excelled as a professional wrestler, amateur football player, and trainer. He founded and promoted the American Wrestling Association (AWA), serving as its top star and ten-time World Heavyweight Champion. Before wrestling, Gagne played football at the University of Iowa and briefly for the NFL’s Chicago Bears. As a trainer, he developed talents such as Hulk Hogan and Ric Flair, shaping the next generation of wrestling stars. Gagne’s influence on the sport as a competitor and promoter left a lasting legacy.

Ally MacLeod (1931–2004) was a Scottish footballer turned manager celebrated for his passion and charisma. As a winger, he played for clubs like Leicester City, Sunderland, and Hearts in the 1950s and 1960s. MacLeod is best remembered for managing the Scotland national team during the 1978 FIFA World Cup. Under his leadership, the team overcame high expectations but failed to progress beyond the group stage. His enthusiastic style endeared him to fans, making him a beloved figure in Scottish football history.

Born in 1937, Paul Dickson made his mark on the gridiron as a standout collegiate football player before moving into coaching. Over several decades, he led high school and college programs, building strong teams and nurturing young talent. Known for his motivational leadership and strategic mind, Dickson left a legacy of sportsmanship and community impact. His commitment to the game and the players he mentored endured until his passing in 2011.

Known as the "Bayonne Bleeder," Chuck Wepner earned respect for his resilience in the ring. In 1975, he took Muhammad Ali the distance in a 15-round title fight, surprising the boxing world and inspiring Sylvester Stallone's movie "Rocky." Wepner fought many top contenders throughout the 1960s and 1970s, becoming a symbol of underdog grit. His colorful career included memorable knockouts and a fighting spirit that endeared him to fans.

Born in Vrbové, Jozef Adamec became one of Czechoslovakia's most prolific forwards, scoring over 40 goals for the national team. He played for top clubs including Slovan Bratislava, winning domestic titles and the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup in 1969. Adamec represented his country in the 1962 World Cup, helping them to a runner-up finish. After retiring as a player, he managed several clubs with a focus on youth development, leaving a lasting influence on Slovak football before his death in 2018.