March 17

Ralph Rose (1885–1913) was a dominating American shot putter and discus thrower in the early 20th century. He broke several world records in shot put, becoming one of the sport’s first superstar athletes. Rose won Olympic gold medals in 1904 and 1908, and also earned medals in discus throw. Known for his immense size and strength, he stood over six feet tall and weighed more than 300 pounds. His performances helped raise the profile of track and field events in international competition. Despite his athletic success, his career and life were cut short by illness at the age of 27.

Floyd B. Barnum (1892–1965) was an American college football coach who shaped early collegiate programs. He coached teams during the development of modern football tactics. Barnum emphasized fundamentals and discipline, influencing young athletes. His career spanned several seasons in the 1910s and 1920s. Though details on his appointments are scarce, his commitment to the sport is noted. His work helped set precedents for coaching strategies in college football.

Bobby Jones (1902–1971) dominated the world of golf in the late 1920s and early 1930s. He was the only player to complete the original Grand Slam, winning the U.S. Open, British Open, U.S. Amateur, and British Amateur in 1930. Jones co-founded Augusta National Golf Club and helped launch the Masters Tournament in 1934. Despite his athletic success, he practiced law and maintained amateur status throughout his career. His sportsmanship and strategic play set new standards for the game. Jones's legacy lives on in golf's major championships and the annual Masters tradition.

Born in 1914 in Temple, Texas, Sammy Baugh excelled in football, basketball, and baseball at TCU. He was selected in the first round of the 1937 NFL Draft by the Washington Redskins. Baugh led the league in passing yards multiple times and popularized the forward pass in professional football. A versatile athlete, he also punted and played defensive back, earning multiple All-Pro honors. After retiring as a player, he served as a coach and mentor. Baugh was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame as part of its inaugural class in 1963. He died in 2008, remembered as one of the NFL’s greatest pioneers.

Born in 1915 near Melbourne, Bill Roycroft taught himself to ride on his family’s farm. He represented Australia in three Olympics, competing in 1960, 1964, and 1968. At the 1960 Rome Games, he famously returned to competition despite a severe fall to secure the team gold. Roycroft’s resilience and sportsmanship became a defining moment in Olympic history. He later coached and mentored the next generation of riders, including his sons. His contributions were recognized with the Order of Australia and induction into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame. Roycroft died in 2011, remembered as a legend of equestrian sport.

Born in 1917 in East St. Louis, Illinois, Hank Sauer made his MLB debut with the Chicago Cubs in 1941. His early career was interrupted by service in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Sauer returned to baseball in 1946 and became one of the league’s premier power hitters. In 1952, he led the National League with 37 home runs and was named Most Valuable Player. He played for the New York Giants and St. Louis Cardinals before retiring in 1959. After his playing career, Sauer scouted and coached in professional baseball. He died in 2001, remembered for his robust swing and All-Star performances.

Born in 1939 in Cusano Milanino, Trapattoni began his career as a midfielder with AC Milan, winning multiple league titles and European Cups. Transitioning to management in 1974, he led Juventus to six Serie A championships and a European Cup victory. He coached top clubs including Inter Milan, Bayern Munich, and Benfica, claiming league titles in four countries. Known for tactical discipline and defensive organization, he earned the nickname 'Il Trap' among players. As Italy’s national team coach, he guided the squad to the 2002 World Cup and Euro 2004. Trapattoni holds one of the highest trophy counts among football managers worldwide. After retiring from coaching, he remained active as a pundit and mentor to young managers.

Cito Gaston (born March 17, 1944) is an American former professional baseball player and manager. He played Major League Baseball as an outfielder for the Atlanta Braves and later the Oakland Athletics, winning a World Series in 1974. After retiring as a player, Gaston became a coach and then the manager of the Toronto Blue Jays in 1989. Under his leadership, the Blue Jays won consecutive World Series championships in 1992 and 1993. Gaston was the first African-American manager in MLB history to win a World Series title. He continued managing Toronto through the mid-1990s and had a second stint with the team in the early 2000s. Gaston remains a respected figure in baseball, celebrated for his calm leadership and strategic acumen.

Born in 1947, Dennis Bond was a professional midfielder in the English Football League during the 1960s and 1970s. He was known for his versatility and tireless work ethic on the pitch. Over his career, he made hundreds of professional appearances, earning respect at every club he represented. After retiring, he remained involved in football through coaching and mentoring young players. He passed away in 2025, remembered fondly by fans and teammates.

Born in 1948, Alex MacDonald spent his playing career with clubs in both Scotland and England, demonstrating consistency and versatility on the field. After retiring as a player, he transitioned into management, applying his deep understanding of the game to lead his teams. MacDonald earned respect for his tactical insights and ability to develop young talent. He guided his teams through challenging seasons and was known for fostering strong team spirit. His contributions to football as both a player and manager have left a lasting mark on the clubs he served.

Born in 1949, Pat Rice enjoyed a lengthy career as a professional footballer, known for his reliability and tactical awareness. Following his playing days, he transitioned into coaching, where he mentored young players and contributed to team development. Rice held coaching positions at various clubs, applying his on-field experience to shape successful squads. His dual success as a player and coach has earned him respect within the football community. He continues to be involved in the sport, often sharing insights on defensive strategy and leadership.

Born in 1951, Craig Ramsay enjoyed a lengthy NHL career as a versatile forward, playing for teams including the Buffalo Sabres and Boston Bruins. He earned a reputation for reliable scoring and high hockey IQ during his time on the ice. After retiring as a player, Ramsay transitioned to coaching, serving as head coach of the Philadelphia Flyers and assistant coach for multiple NHL teams. He also spent time coaching in European leagues, broadening his international experience. Ramsay's deep knowledge of the game and leadership qualities have made him a respected figure in the hockey community for over four decades.