March 16

Born in Saga Prefecture, Umegatani Tōtarō I rose swiftly through the sumo ranks with his powerful tachiai (initial charge) and commanding presence. His consistent victories and technique earned him promotion to the esteemed rank of Yokozuna, making him the 15th wrestler to hold sumo’s highest title. Beyond his prowess on the dohyo, he was revered for his dignity and leadership, often performing the yokozuna ring-entering ceremony with great solemnity. After retiring, he served as an elder, mentoring younger wrestlers and helping to organize sumo stables. His legacy continued to shape sumo traditions long after his death in 1928.

Patrick 'Patsy' Donovan was born in Ireland in 1865 and emigrated to the United States. He played as an outfielder in Major League Baseball from 1889 to 1907, known for his consistent hitting and fielding skills. Donovan collected over 2,000 hits in his career, batting .292 while playing for teams like the Boston Beaneaters and Pittsburgh Pirates. After retiring as a player, he managed the Boston Doves and later coached in the minor leagues. Renowned for his baseball acumen, he helped develop young talent in early 20th-century baseball. Donovan’s contributions to Major League history remain remembered by baseball historians. He passed away in 1953 at the age of 87.

Frantz Reichel was born in 1871 and became a prominent figure in early French sports. He played rugby union for France and competed in international athletic events as a hurdler. Reichel contributed to the development of organized sports, helping to found the Union des Sociétés Françaises de Sports Athlétiques. He also worked as a sports journalist and administrator, promoting athletic competitions. Reichel’s athletic versatility reflected the spirit of the modern Olympic movement. His efforts helped shape the structure of French sports organizations in the early 20th century. He died in 1932, leaving a legacy in both rugby and track and field.

James Lightbody was an American athlete specializing in middle-distance running. He won three gold medals at the 1904 St. Louis Olympics in the 800m, 1500m, and cross-country events. Lightbody's strategic pacing and endurance set new standards in competitive running. After retiring, he remained involved in athletics as a coach and mentor. His Olympic achievements contributed to the growing prominence of American track and field.

Herbert Lindström was a Swedish athlete who competed in the tug of war at the 1912 Stockholm Olympics. He was part of the Swedish team that won the gold medal in the sport's final Olympic appearance. Lindström's strength and teamwork skills exemplified the era's athletic spirit. After athletics, he returned to his profession and remained active in local sports clubs. His Olympic victory contributed to Sweden's reputation as a dominant force in early 20th-century athletics.

Emilio Lunghi was an Italian middle-distance runner renowned for his performance in the 1908 London Olympics. He won the silver medal in the 800 metres, becoming Italy's first Olympic medalist in athletics. Lunghi set multiple national records during his career and was celebrated for his strong finishing kick. His achievements inspired a generation of Italian athletes in the early 20th century. Despite facing fierce competition, he remained a prominent figure in European track events until his retirement.

Reggie Walker gained international recognition at the 1908 London Olympics by winning the gold medal in the 100 metres at just 19 years old. His victory made him the first South African to win an Olympic gold in track and field. Known for his explosive speed and smooth running style, Walker defeated a field of seasoned competitors. His performance contributed to the early global prominence of South African athletics. After retiring, he remained involved in sports as a mentor and advocate for young athletes.

Alexis Chantraine was a Belgian footballer known for his contributions to club and regional teams in the 1920s. He played primarily as a midfielder, showcasing strong tactical awareness and passing skills. Chantraine competed in national competitions, helping his side achieve notable league finishes. Though records of his career are scarce, he remains part of Belgium's rich football history. His involvement during the formative years of Belgian football reflects the sport's growing popularity.

Born in 1904, Buddy Myer spent 18 seasons in Major League Baseball from 1925 to 1942. He starred as a second baseman for the Washington Senators and briefly for the Boston Red Sox. Myer won the American League batting title in 1935 with a .349 average and was selected as an All-Star in 1934 and 1935. Known for his smooth fielding and consistent hitting, he recorded 2,199 career hits over nearly two decades. He led the league in hits and doubles several times and helped the Senators reach the World Series in 1933. Myer remained connected to baseball after retirement, serving as a coach and mentor. He passed away in 1974, remembered as one of the era’s most reliable and skilled infielders.

Maurice Turnbull was born in Cardiff in 1906 and distinguished himself in both cricket and rugby union. As a right-handed batsman, he captained Glamorgan County Cricket Club and scored over 12,000 first-class runs. Simultaneously, he played fly-half for the Welsh national rugby team, earning several caps in the early 1930s. Turnbull’s athletic versatility made him a celebrated dual-sport star in Britain. During World War II, he served as an officer in the Welsh Guards. He was killed in action in Normandy in 1944, cutting short a remarkable sports career. Turnbull is remembered as one of Wales’s finest all-around athletes.

Lloyd Waner was born in Oklahoma in 1906 and became a standout center fielder for the Pittsburgh Pirates and Boston Braves. Partnering with his brother Paul, he earned the nickname "Little Poison" for his ability to consistently get on base. Waner played 15 seasons in Major League Baseball, amassing over 2,400 hits and a .316 career batting average. He led the National League in hits twice and was known for his contact hitting and speed on the basepaths. In 1967, he was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in recognition of his achievements. After retiring as a player, Waner served as a coach and scout, sharing his expertise with younger players. He passed away in 1982, leaving a legacy as one of baseball’s most prolific hitters.

Ernest Rogez was born in France in 1908 and became known as a strong water polo competitor. He represented France at the 1928 Amsterdam Olympics, where his team competed against the world’s best. Rogez played domestically for his local club, earning a reputation for his endurance and game intelligence. After the Olympics, he continued to compete at the national level and contributed to water polo’s growth in France. Later in life, he remained involved in the aquatic sports community. He passed away in 1986, remembered as one of France’s early Olympic water polo pioneers.