March 28

John Geiger was born in 1873 in the United States and emerged as a talented rower in his youth. He competed in major rowing clubs and frequently placed among the top crews in national regattas. Geiger was known for his strength, technique, and teamwork in the boat. After retiring from competition, he coached aspiring athletes and helped promote rowing in collegiate programs. His involvement in the sport spanned several decades, enhancing the development of American rowing. Geiger passed away in 1956, remembered for both his athletic and coaching accomplishments.

Born in County Sligo, Ireland, Martin Sheridan emigrated to the United States and joined the Greater New York Irish Athletic Club. He competed in the 1904 St. Louis and 1908 London Olympics, winning five gold medals across discus, shot put, and standing jumps. His powerful throwing style set world records and elevated the profile of track and field athletics. After retiring from competition, he served as a New York City police officer and coached young athletes. Sheridan continued to promote sportsmanship until his untimely death from pneumonia in 1918 at the age of 37. His achievements left a lasting legacy in the early history of the modern Olympic Games.

Sepp Herberger was born in 1897 in Mannheim, Germany. He began his career as a striker before transitioning to coaching after World War II. Herberger was appointed head coach of West Germany in 1950 and focused on building a disciplined team. Under his leadership, West Germany won the 1954 FIFA World Cup in a historic upset over Hungary. He later served in various advisory roles within German football. Herberger's tactical innovations and mentorship left a lasting impact on the sport until his death in 1977.

Buck Shaw was born in 1899 in San Mateo, California. He played college football at Notre Dame, starring under coach Knute Rockne. After his playing career, Shaw coached at several universities before joining the NFL. As head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles, he guided the team to its first championship in 1948. Known for his strategic mind and leadership, he influenced coaching methods of the era. Shaw's contributions to the game endured throughout his career and beyond until his death in 1977.

Dorothy Knowles pursued her passion for literature and sport throughout her life, producing works that explored cultural identity and human resilience. As a fencer, she competed at national level events, demonstrating discipline and strategic skill. In academia, she lectured on English literature at prominent universities, mentoring students and publishing critical essays. Her dual career highlighted the interplay between physical rigor and intellectual inquiry. Through her writing and teaching, Knowles left a diverse legacy that continues to inspire in both literary and athletic circles.

Consalvo Sanesi joined Alfa Romeo in the late 1920s as a test driver and quickly became part of their factory racing team. He competed in numerous Grand Prix and sports car events throughout the 1930s and 1940s. Sanesi's feedback on handling and performance was instrumental in developing several iconic Alfa Romeo models. He earned acclaim for his precise driving style and mechanical insight. After retiring from competition, Sanesi continued to advise on automotive design and testing. His contributions helped cement Alfa Romeo's reputation for engineering excellence and racing heritage.

Tom Brooks was an Australian cricket umpire who officiated at the highest levels of the sport. He made his first-class debut as an umpire in the 1964-65 season and went on to stand in Test matches from 1974 to 1979. Brooks was known for his calm demeanor, clear decision-making, and deep knowledge of the game. He also officiated in One Day International matches during the early years of limited-overs cricket. After retiring from umpiring, he contributed to cricket administration and umpire training programs. His commitment to fairness and professionalism left a mark on Australian and international cricket.

Vic Raschi was an American Major League Baseball pitcher who starred with the New York Yankees in the 1950s. Nicknamed 'The Springfield Rifle,' he won over 100 games and three consecutive World Series championships from 1949 to 1951. Raschi's powerful fastball and competitive spirit made him a key member of the Yankees' rotation during their dynasty years. After his playing career, he served as a pitching coach and minor league instructor. He later scouted for several MLB teams, helping to develop future talent. Raschi's contributions to baseball were honored with his induction into the New Jersey Sports Hall of Fame.

Joey Maxim was a prominent American boxer who held the world light heavyweight championship from 1950 to 1954. He was known for his endurance, defensive skill, and the epic 15-round victory over Sugar Ray Robinson in 1952. Maxim began his professional career in 1940 and amassed over 100 wins against tough competition. His resilience earned him the nickname 'the Bellflower Bomber.' Beyond the ring, he appeared in several films, leveraging his athletic fame into acting roles. Maxim retired in 1955 and later worked as a boxing trainer and commentator. He remained a respected figure in the boxing community for his sportsmanship and tactical brilliance. Maxim passed away in 2001, leaving a legacy as one of the era's greatest light heavyweights.

Prafull 'Polly' Umrigar broke into the Indian cricket team as a teenager and quickly established himself as a reliable middle-order batsman. He scored over 3,600 runs in 59 Test matches at an average above 35. Umrigar captained India on several occasions and was known for his graceful strokeplay against pace and spin. After retiring, he served as chairman of selectors and coach, shaping the next generation of Indian cricketers. His contributions to Indian cricket are remembered as foundational for the team's rise on the world stage.

Laurie Taitt moved from British Guiana to England as a child and emerged as a leading hurdler in the 1950s. He competed in the 1956 Melbourne and 1960 Rome Olympics, reaching the finals in the 110m hurdles. Taitt won medals at the British Empire and Commonwealth Games and dominated national competitions. Known for his speed and technique, he inspired a generation of Caribbean-born athletes in Britain. After retiring from competition, he coached young hurdlers and contributed to athletics administration. His legacy endures in British track and field history.

Józef Szmidt burst onto the athletics scene by setting a world record in the triple jump in 1960, becoming the first man to exceed 17 meters. He won gold at the Rome Olympics that year and secured silver at Tokyo in 1964. Szmidt claimed multiple European Championship titles and dominated the event throughout the early 1960s. His technical mastery and explosive power influenced training methods for jumpers worldwide. After retiring, he worked as a coach and sports official in Poland. He is remembered as one of the greatest triple jumpers in history.