March 03

Ned Williamson was born in Rural Retreat, Virginia, in 1857 and made his Major League Baseball debut in 1879. He spent most of his career with the Chicago White Stockings, where he excelled as a second baseman. In 1883 Williamson set a single-season record with 49 doubles, a mark that stood for nearly four decades. Known for his consistent batting and defensive skills, he compiled a career batting average of .272 over ten seasons. Williamson’s record-setting season helped popularize power hitting in the early days of professional baseball. He died of tuberculosis in 1894 at the age of 37.

John Godfrey Parry-Thomas was born in Wales in 1884 and made significant contributions as both an engineer and racing driver. He worked as a chief engineer for Leyland Motors before turning to motorsport. Parry-Thomas designed and built the iconic car 'Babs,' with which he set a land speed record of 171.02 mph at Pendine Sands in 1926. His pursuit of speed captured the public imagination and advanced automotive engineering. While attempting to reclaim the record in 1927, he was tragically killed when Babs overturned during a high-speed run. Parry-Thomas’s pioneering spirit and technical skill continue to inspire land speed record enthusiasts.

Born in 1877, George Thompson emerged as a capable cricketer in the English county circuit during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He displayed consistent skill on the field and was admired for his sportsmanship. After retiring from playing, Thompson transitioned to umpiring, where he officiated numerous matches at major venues. His calm judgment and impartiality earned him the respect of players and fans alike. He remained involved in the sport until his passing in 1943, leaving a legacy as both player and official.

Keith Alexander was born in 1956 in Hitchin, England, and played as a defender for clubs including Lincoln City. He made history as one of the first black British managers in professional football. His managerial career included successful spells at Lincoln City and Peterborough United, and he later coached the Trinidad and Tobago women’s national team. Alexander was recognized for his tactical innovation and dedication to player development. He passed away suddenly in 2010 while managing Macclesfield Town, leaving a legacy of inspiration and leadership.

Born in 1931 in Liberty Corner, New Jersey, Alex Webster starred at Dartmouth College. He was drafted by the New York Giants in 1954 and played as a fullback for nine seasons. He earned two Pro Bowl selections and helped lead the Giants to NFL championships in 1956 and 1958. After retiring as a player, Webster served as the Giants’ head coach from 1969 to 1973. He later worked as a radio broadcaster and was inducted into the Giants’ Ring of Honor in 2010. Webster is remembered for his toughness on the field and his contributions to the Giants franchise.

Born in 1940 in Paysandú, Uruguay, Luis Cubilla began his playing career with Peñarol. He won back-to-back Copa Libertadores titles in 1960 and 1961. Cubilla also played for Barcelona in Spain and River Plate in Argentina. Transitioning to management, he led Paraguayan side Olimpia to multiple Copa Libertadores crowns in 1979, 1990, and 2002. He won domestic league titles with clubs in Paraguay, Colombia, and Uruguay. Cubilla was praised for his leadership and tactical insight and remains a legend of South American football.

Born Eiji Ezaki in 1968 in Yatsushiro, Japan, he took the ring name Hayabusa in 1993. He became a star in Frontier Martial-Arts Wrestling, blending martial arts and aerial techniques. Hayabusa popularized moves such as the Falcon Arrow and Phoenix Splash. He held multiple championships, including the FMW Brass Knuckles Heavyweight Title. A career-ending injury in 2001 led him to retire and work as a trainer and promoter. His daring style inspired a generation of wrestlers around the world.

Martin Crowe (1962–2016) was a prominent New Zealand cricketer known for his elegant batting style and tactical acumen. He made his Test debut in 1982 and scored 17 Test centuries, including a career-best 299 against Sri Lanka in 1991. Crowe served as New Zealand’s captain from 1990 to 1993 and led the team to the semi-finals of the 1992 Cricket World Cup. After retiring in 1996, he pursued journalism and broadcasting, becoming a leading cricket analyst and commentator for major networks. He was named Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 1985 and remained an influential figure in the sport until his death from lymphoma in 2016.

Sarah Tait (1983–2016) was a celebrated Australian rower who competed in two Olympic Games. She won a silver medal in the coxless four at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and helped her crew secure multiple medals at World Rowing Championships, including gold in 2006. Tait was known for her powerful stroke and leadership on the water, serving as captain of the national team. After retiring from competition, she focused on coaching and supporting young rowers. In 2013, she was diagnosed with cervical cancer and became an advocate for women’s health awareness. She passed away in 2016, leaving a legacy of excellence and inspiration in Australian rowing.

Sir Roger Bannister (1929–2018) was a British athlete renowned for breaking the four-minute mile barrier on May 6, 1954, at Oxford’s Iffley Road Track. His record-setting time of 3:59.4 captured worldwide attention and redefined human athletic performance. Bannister balanced his athletic pursuits with medical studies, qualifying as a neurologist shortly after his historic run. He served as Master of Pembroke College, Oxford, and contributed to clinical research in neurological diseases. Bannister was knighted in 1975 for his services to sport and medicine. His legacy endures as a symbol of determination and the pursuit of excellence.