May 02

Tom Wills was born in New South Wales in 1835 and is regarded as Australia's first great cricketer, leading colonial teams with skill and sportsmanship. Educated at Rugby School in England, he was inspired by local ball games and drafted the earliest rules for Australian football in 1859. These rules emphasized kicking and catching and formed the foundation of what became Australian rules football. Wills also served as a coach, umpire, and advocate for the game, spreading its popularity across the continent. His dual achievements in cricket and football established him as a pioneering figure in Australian sports history. He died on May 2, 1880, and is commemorated as a key architect of Australia's sporting culture.

Born in 1875, Joe Corbett pitched a no-hitter for the Boston Beaneaters in 1897 during his Major League Baseball career. His fastball and durability made him a standout in the National League before arm injuries shortened his playing days. After retiring, Corbett turned to journalism, writing about sports for newspapers in San Francisco. He provided commentary on baseball tactics and shared behind-the-scenes insights into the game. He died in 1945, remembered both for his brief glory on the mound and his contributions to sportswriting.

Born in 1863, Wallace Bryant became one of the early figures in competitive archery. He represented the United States at the 1904 St. Louis Olympics, earning a team silver medal. Bryant competed during a period when archery was gaining popularity as an organized sport. He contributed to establishing archery clubs and promoting the sport across America. Bryant’s Olympic performance helped pave the way for future generations of American archers.

Born in 1884, Barnes inherited the title of 3rd Baron Gorell and took a seat in the House of Lords. He played first-class cricket for Oxford University and various county teams. A passionate writer, he published volumes of poetry and served as editor for regional newspapers. Barnes was active in Liberal politics and advocated for social reform in the early 20th century. He balanced his literary interests with public service until his death in 1963.

Born in New Zealand in 1891, Grimmett moved to Australia in 1911 and began his cricket career there. He made his Test debut for Australia in 1925 and quickly established himself as a formidable leg-spin bowler. Grimmett became the first bowler in Test history to reach 200 wickets, finishing with 216 victims in just 37 matches. He pioneered the flipper and top-spinner, innovations that transformed spin bowling tactics worldwide. In domestic cricket, he dominated for South Australia and Western Australia, taking over 500 first-class wickets at an outstanding average. Off the field, Grimmett was respected as a mentor, sharing his insights with emerging players. His tactical intelligence and mastery of spin earned him a place in the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame. Even decades after his retirement, Grimmett’s legacy lives on through the spin bowlers he inspired.

Born in 1926 in South Dakota, Van Brocklin starred at Oregon State University before entering the NFL in 1949. He led the Los Angeles Rams to two championship games and won one title with the Philadelphia Eagles in 1960. In 1951, he set the NFL single-game passing record with 554 yards, a feat that stood for more than half a century. After retiring as a player, he took up coaching and led the Minnesota Vikings to their first NFL Championship Game appearance in 1969. Van Brocklin was honored with induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1971. His leadership, fierce competitiveness, and strategic mind left a lasting impact on the game of football.

Italian rally driver Attilio Bettega made his World Rally Championship debut in 1979 and quickly gained recognition for his fearless pace. As a factory driver for Lancia, he achieved podium finishes on diverse terrain and helped develop the Delta S4’s performance. Bettega claimed his sole WRC victory at the 1984 Safari Rally, showcasing his adaptability in extreme conditions. Known for his smooth driving style and technical feedback, he was respected by teammates and engineers alike. His promising career ended tragically in a fatal accident during the 1985 Tour de Corse. Bettega’s legacy endures in rally history as a driver of exceptional talent and determination.

American co-driver Sergio Cresto built his reputation in North American rally events before joining Henri Toivonen on the World Rally Championship circuit. Known for his precise pace notes and calm demeanor under pressure, he contributed to several podium finishes in Group B competition. Cresto and Toivonen achieved memorable successes with the Lancia Delta S4 in 1986, thrilling fans with their daring performances. Tragically, their partnership ended in a fatal crash during the 1986 Tour de Corse. The accident prompted major safety reforms in rallying, leading to the end of the Group B era. Cresto is remembered for his professionalism and the significant impact his career had on rally sport.

Henri Toivonen was a prodigiously talented Finnish rally driver who burst onto the World Rally Championship scene in the late 1970s. At just 22, he became the youngest driver to win a WRC event, claiming victory at the 1980 RAC Rally. Known for his fearless driving style and technical acumen, he excelled behind the wheel of the Lancia 037 and Delta S4. Toivonen’s charismatic personality and competitive spirit made him a fan favorite worldwide. His career was tragically cut short when he and co-driver Sergio Cresto perished in a crash at the 1986 Tour de Corse. Toivonen’s legacy endures through his record-setting performances and his role in influencing rally car development.

André Moynet served with the Free French Air Force during World War II, earning distinction as a skilled fighter pilot. After the war, he pursued a passion for motorsport, competing in Grand Prix and endurance races with notable success. Transitioning to politics, Moynet was elected to the French National Assembly in 1958 and contributed to aerospace and defense policy. His multifaceted career bridged military service, competitive racing, and public office. He also played a role in promoting France's aviation industry. Moynet passed away in 1993, leaving behind a unique legacy of courage and versatility.

Justin Fashanu was a talented forward who began his career at Norwich City and played for several clubs including Nottingham Forest and Southampton. In 1990, he made history as the first professional footballer to publicly announce he was gay. His bold move challenged taboos and sparked important conversations about sexuality in sports. Fashanu represented England at the U21 level and was known for his pace, skill, and goal-scoring ability. Despite facing discrimination and controversy off the pitch, he remained a symbol of courage for LGBTQ+ athletes. His tragic death in 1998 brought renewed attention to the challenges faced by gay sportspeople.

Jack Kemp was born in Los Angeles in 1935 and achieved success as a professional quarterback for the Buffalo Bills from 1962 to 1969. After retiring from football, he served as a congressman representing western New York from 1971 to 1989. Kemp played a key role in shaping conservative economic policy and championed tax reforms. He was appointed Secretary of Housing and Urban Development under President George H. W. Bush from 1989 to 1993, focusing on urban development and housing initiatives. Kemp was also the Republican vice presidential nominee alongside Bob Dole in 1996. His dynamic career bridged the worlds of sports and politics, leaving a lasting impact on American public life.