March 16

Arthur ‘Art’ Croft was born in 1855 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He played professional baseball as a second baseman with the St. Louis Brown Stockings in the 1870s. Croft was known for his defensive skills and steady batting in the early years of Major League Baseball. After retiring from the sport, he remained involved in local athletics until his untimely death in 1884. Though his career was brief, he contributed to the development of baseball’s professional era.

Born in Riga in 1886, Aron Nimzowitsch became one of the leading chess players in the early 20th century. He championed the hypermodern school of chess, challenging classical principles by controlling the center with pieces rather than pawns. His influential books, including 'My System' and 'Chess Praxis', remain classics of chess strategy and theory. Nimzowitsch claimed victories in major tournaments such as San Sebastian 1911 and became a respected chess author and coach. Known for his sharp wit and eccentric personality, he often courted controversy in chess circles. His contributions have had a lasting impact on how the game is studied and played at all levels.

Born in Allegany, New York in 1891, Leon Cadore pitched in Major League Baseball from 1915 to 1924 for teams including the Brooklyn Robins and New York Giants. Known for his exceptional stamina and precision on the mound, he compiled a career win-loss record of 115-148. Cadore's most famous achievement came in 1920 when he pitched a 26-inning complete game tie, a record that remains unmatched in MLB history. After retiring from baseball, he contributed to the sport as a coach and mentor to young athletes. He passed away on March 16, 1958, leaving a legacy of pitching endurance.

Born Harold Joseph Traynor on June 11, 1898, in Wheeling, West Virginia, Pie Traynor debuted with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1920. Over an 18-season career, he maintained a .320 batting average and was renowned for his defensive skills. Traynor helped lead the Pirates to a World Series title in 1925 and five National League pennants. After retiring in 1937, he served as a coach and manager. He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1945, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest third basemen of his era.

Born in 1902 in Fort Qu'Appelle, Saskatchewan, Eddie Shore played the majority of his 20-season NHL career with the Boston Bruins. He won the Hart Trophy as league MVP four times and was instrumental in the Bruins' 1929 Stanley Cup victory. Shore was renowned for his hard-hitting style, leadership, and innovative skating techniques. After retiring as a player, he coached and managed minor league teams, continuing to influence the sport. Inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1947, he remains one of ice hockey's enduring legends.

Jigger Statz was an American professional baseball outfielder whose career spanned over two decades. He played in Major League Baseball from 1919 to 1936, including stints with the New York Giants and Brooklyn Robins. Statz is best remembered for his legendary Pacific Coast League tenure with the Los Angeles Angels, where he amassed over 2,700 hits. His combined professional hits total more than 4,000, a feat unparalleled in baseball history. He held numerous PCL records for games played, hits, and runs scored. Statz was posthumously inducted into the Pacific Coast League Hall of Fame.

Mickey Thompson was an American auto racing driver, engineer, and entrepreneur. He co-founded SCORE International and helped popularize off-road desert racing in the United States. Thompson set multiple land speed records at the Bonneville Salt Flats, including the fastest wheel-driven car record. He introduced innovative tire and suspension designs, influencing modern motorsports engineering. Thompson's racing career spanned drag racing, IndyCar, and off-road competitions. He was tragically murdered in 1988, a case that remained unsolved for years.

Eric Show was an American professional baseball pitcher who spent his entire career with the San Diego Padres. He pitched a no-hitter against the San Francisco Giants on September 11, 1985, becoming the 13th pitcher in franchise history to do so. Show debuted in MLB in 1981 and was known for his sinkerball and powerful arm. His career was marked by on-and-off-field struggles, including disciplinary issues and personal challenges. After retiring in 1990, he faced legal and health problems, drawing attention to athletes' mental well-being. Show died in 1994 at age 37, leaving behind a complex legacy of talent and turmoil.

Carlos Velázquez (1948-2000) was a right-handed pitcher from Puerto Rico who made his Major League debut with the Chicago Cubs in 1969. He emerged as a promising rookie, posting a 9-7 record with a 3.80 ERA in his debut season. Velázquez spent several seasons between the majors and minors, demonstrating resilience and a strong work ethic. He also played winter ball in Puerto Rico, becoming a fan favorite for his competitive spirit. After retiring from professional baseball, he remained involved in coaching young athletes in his hometown. Velázquez's career is remembered for his 1969 season and his contributions to baseball in Puerto Rico.

Bob Wollek (1943-2001) was a celebrated French racing driver specializing in endurance events. He began his career in rallying before becoming a factory driver for Porsche in the 1970s. Wollek won the GT class at the 24 Hours of Le Mans four times and secured multiple IMSA GT Championship titles. Known for his smooth driving style and consistency, he competed in over 30 Le Mans races across four decades. Beyond Le Mans, Wollek achieved success in the World Sportscar Championship and the Rolex Sports Car Series. His tragic death in a road accident in 2001 cut short one of motorsport's most enduring careers.

Ronald Ferguson (1931-2003) was a British Army captain turned polo manager and public relations executive. After serving in the Life Guards, he became the manager of Prince Charles's polo team and later oversaw the sport for the British royal family. Ferguson helped popularize polo in the UK and organized high-profile tournaments drawing international competitors. He was also known as the father of Sarah, Duchess of York, and remained close to the royal household. Beyond sports, he advised corporations on event management and public relations. His contributions to polo and his royal associations made him a notable figure in British society.

Todd Bell (1958-2005) was a professional American football safety who played for the Chicago Bears and Kansas City Chiefs. Drafted by the Bears in 1980, he was part of the legendary 1985 Chicago Bears team that won Super Bowl XX. Bell was known for his strong tackling, field awareness, and leadership in the secondary. After his playing career, he worked as a coach and mentor for young athletes in Ohio. He died tragically in a car accident in 2005 at the age of 46. Bell's contributions to the Bears' dominant 1980s defense remain celebrated by fans and teammates alike.