Irish-American baseball player
Irish-American baseball player
Irish-American baseball pitcher known for his ambidextrous pitching and long Major League career.
Tony Mullane was born in Cork, Ireland, in 1859 and emigrated to the United States as a child. He made his Major League Baseball debut in 1881 and became renowned for pitching effectively with both arms. Over a 14-season career, Mullane recorded 284 wins and 198 complete games, marking him as one of the era's most durable pitchers. He earned the nickname 'The Apollo of the Box' for his athletic prowess and showmanship on the mound. Mullane retired in 1894 and died in Milwaukee in 1944, remembered for his unique skill and contributions to early baseball.
Tony Mullane
American discus thrower and shot putter
American discus thrower and shot putter
American track and field athlete who was the first American to win an Olympic gold medal in the discus throw.
Robert Garrett was an American track and field athlete who competed at the inaugural modern Olympics in Athens in 1896.
He was the first American to win an Olympic gold medal in the discus throw.
He also competed in shot put, showcasing his versatility in throwing events.
A Princeton University student, Garrett helped raise the profile of athletics on college campuses.
After his athletic career, he served in the U.S. Army and engaged in various civic pursuits.
1961
Robert Garrett
Italian racing driver
Italian racing driver
Italian Formula One driver who secured victory at the 1982 Swedish Grand Prix and earned multiple podium finishes in the 1980s.
Michele Alboreto (1956–2001) was an Italian racing driver who competed in Formula One from 1981 to 1994.
He drove for teams including Tyrrell, Ferrari, and Ligier, earning a reputation for consistency and speed.
Alboreto achieved his first Grand Prix win at the 1982 Swedish Grand Prix and ended the 1985 season as Ferrari's lead driver.
He finished runner-up in the 1985 World Championship standings, narrowly missing the title.
Later in his career, he raced in sports cars and endurance events such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Alboreto was admired for his technical skill and sportsmanship on the track.
2001
Michele Alboreto
Kenyan runner
Kenyan runner
Kenyan sprinter who won bronze in the 400 meters at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics.
Samson Kitur (1966–2003) was a Kenyan track and field athlete specializing in the 400 meters.
He earned a bronze medal at the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona, marking Kenya's first Olympic sprint medal in decades.
Kitur also won silver at the 1991 World Championships and multiple African titles.
His speed and competitive spirit contributed to Kenya's emergence in global sprinting events.
After retiring, he remained involved in athletics coaching young athletes.
Kitur's legacy endures as a trailblazer for African sprinters on the world stage.
2003
Samson Kitur
English footballer and manager
English footballer and manager
Alan Ball Jr. was an English footballer celebrated as the youngest member of England's 1966 World Cup-winning team and later a successful manager.
Alan Ball Jr. was born in 1945 in Farnworth, Lancashire, and began his professional career with Blackpool FC.
A dynamic midfielder, he joined Everton and helped them win the First Division title in 1966.
Ball earned 79 caps for England and scored two goals during the 1966 FIFA World Cup, contributing to the team's historic win.
He later played for Arsenal, Stoke City, and clubs in the United States and Australia.
After retiring as a player, he managed teams including Blackpool, Portsmouth, and Southampton.
Celebrated for his skill and passion, Ball remained a beloved figure in football until his death in 2007.
2007
Alan Ball Jr.
English footballer and cricketer
English footballer and cricketer
Arthur Milton was an exceptional English sportsman, the only person to play for England in both football and cricket.
Arthur Milton was born in 1928 in Budleigh Salterton, Devon, and showed exceptional talent in both cricket and football.
He made his football debut for Arsenal in 1947, playing as a forward and earning two caps for England.
Simultaneously, he pursued a cricket career with Gloucestershire, scoring over 21,000 runs in first-class matches.
Milton represented England in three Test matches as a batsman between 1958 and 1959.
His rare achievement of representing his country in both sports made him a unique figure in English sports history.
After retiring, he contributed to sports development and remained an inspiring multi-sport athlete until his death in 2007.
Arthur Milton
Australian footballer
Australian footballer
Australian rules footballer who starred with the West Perth Football Club in the WANFL.
Born in Western Australia in 1929, Gerry Bahen rose to prominence as a footballer in the West Australian National Football League (WANFL).
As a key player for the West Perth Football Club in the late 1940s and early 1950s, he became known for his versatility on the field and his consistency.
He was celebrated for his athleticism and sportsmanship, earning respect from teammates and opponents alike.
After retiring from professional football, Bahen continued to influence the sport through coaching and mentorship in local clubs.
His legacy endures in Western Australian football history as one of the standout players of his era.
2012
Gerry Bahen
American baseball player
American baseball player
American MLB pitcher best known for his time with the Atlanta Braves and a rare pitcher’s home run in extra innings.
Born in 1953 in Middlesboro, Kentucky, Rick Camp debuted with the Atlanta Braves in 1976 and went on to pitch nine seasons in the majors.
He compiled a 47–44 win–loss record, earning a reputation for his sinker and reliability on the mound.
On July 4, 1975, Camp hit a game-tying home run in the 18th inning, becoming one of the few pitchers in National League history to do so.
After retiring as a player, he worked as a coach and scout, passing on his expertise to younger generations.
Camp’s competitive spirit and memorable moments made him a fan favorite in Atlanta until his passing in 2013.
Rick Camp
American football player and coach
American football player and coach
American professional football player and coach known for his long NFL career and key contributions to Super Bowl victories.
Earl Morrall was an American professional football quarterback whose career spanned 21 seasons in the NFL.
He played for teams including the Cleveland Browns, Baltimore Colts, San Francisco 49ers, Pittsburgh Steelers, Miami Dolphins, Detroit Lions, New York Giants, and Dallas Cowboys.
Morrall took over for an injured Johnny Unitas and led the Baltimore Colts to victory in Super Bowl V.
He was selected to three Pro Bowls and was named NFL Comeback Player of the Year in 1972.
After retiring as a player, Morrall enjoyed a lengthy coaching career as an assistant coach with several NFL teams.
He was admired for his resilience, leadership, and ability to perform under pressure.
He passed away on April 25, 2014, at the age of 79.
Earl Morrall
Spanish footballer and manager
Spanish footballer and manager
Spanish football midfielder and coach best known for leading FC Barcelona to a La Liga title.
Francesc 'Tito' Vilanova was a Spanish footballer who played as a defensive midfielder for FC Barcelona and CD Tenerife.
After retiring from playing, he joined Barcelona's coaching staff and became Pep Guardiola's assistant.
Vilanova was appointed head coach of FC Barcelona in 2012 and guided the team to the 2012–13 La Liga title.
His tenure was cut short by a battle with throat cancer, yet he remained involved with the club despite his illness.
He was celebrated for his tactical acumen and close relationship with the players.
Vilanova passed away on April 25, 2014, at the age of 45, leaving a lasting legacy at Barcelona.
Tito Vilanova
American-Canadian baseball player and manager
American-Canadian baseball player and manager
American-Canadian baseball player, manager, and executive who became the first general manager of the Montreal Expos.
Jim Fanning was a professional baseball catcher, manager, and front-office executive.
He played in Major League Baseball with the Chicago Cubs during the 1950s.
In 1968, Fanning became the first general manager of the expansion team Montreal Expos.
He later served as manager and led the Expos to their first playoff appearance in 1981.
Fanning was known for his keen eye for talent and his role in building the Expos' early roster.
He contributed to baseball in both the United States and Canada over five decades.
Fanning passed away on April 25, 2015, at the age of 87.
2015
Jim Fanning
American basketball player
American basketball player
American basketball player and NCAA champion who played for the University of Kentucky and in the NBA.
Mike Phillips was an American basketball forward known for his collegiate success and professional career.
He starred at the University of Kentucky, helping the Wildcats reach the NCAA championship game in 1975.
Phillips went on to play two seasons in the NBA with the Chicago Bulls and Buffalo Braves.
He later returned to Kentucky as an assistant coach and mentor to young players.
Phillips was respected for his work ethic, leadership, and community involvement.
He passed away on April 25, 2015, at the age of 58.
Phillips is remembered as a key figure in Kentucky basketball history.
Mike Phillips