May 03

George Gore was a prominent center fielder known for his speed and batting skill. He debuted in Major League Baseball in 1879 with the Chicago White Stockings. Gore won the National League batting title in 1880 and led the league in hits multiple times. After retiring as a player, he managed the Columbus Buckeyes. His career spanned the formative years of professional baseball. He passed away in 1933, remembered as one of the sport’s early stars.

August Herrmann, known as "Papa" Herrmann, served as chairman of the National Baseball Commission from 1903 to 1920. He was instrumental in resolving disputes between the National and American Leagues. Herrmann organized the first modern World Series in 1903, setting the template for championship play. He also acquired the Cincinnati Reds and promoted the growth of professional baseball. His leadership stabilized the sport during a critical period of expansion. Herrmann’s contributions earned him the title "Father of the World Series."

Andy Bowen competed as a lightweight boxer in the late 19th century. He is famous for fighting the longest match in boxing history, a 110-round bout against Jack Burke in 1893. The fight lasted over seven hours and tested the limits of endurance. Born in New Orleans, Bowen became a local sporting hero for his durability. He tragically died in a railway accident in 1894 at the age of 27. His legendary fight remains a milestone in boxing lore.

John Thomas Hearne was a celebrated English professional cricketer who represented Middlesex and England in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He was renowned for his precise right-arm medium-fast bowling, mastering swing to confound batsmen. Hearne amassed over 3,000 first-class wickets, making him one of cricket's most prolific bowlers. His consistent performances helped Middlesex to multiple County Championships. After retiring, he remained influential in coaching and cricket administration.

Gottfried Fuchs played as a forward for the German national team at a young age. At the 1912 Stockholm Olympics, he famously scored 10 goals against Russia, a record that still stands. After World War I and rising antisemitism, Fuchs emigrated to Canada and continued his involvement in local soccer. He remained active in the sport as a player and mentor, fostering community leagues. Fuchs's extraordinary Olympic performance remains one of football's most remarkable individual achievements.

Eppa Rixey debuted in the Major Leagues with the Philadelphia Phillies in 1912 and enjoyed a 23-season career. He played for the Phillies and Cincinnati Reds, earning reputation for his durability and control. Rixey recorded 266 career wins and led the National League in ERA in 1917. After retiring, he remained active in baseball as a coach and scout. His accomplishments were honored with induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1963.

Charles 'Red' Ruffing was an American Major League Baseball pitcher renowned for his resilience and skill on the mound. Originally debuting with the Boston Red Sox in 1924, he found his greatest success after joining the New York Yankees in 1930. Ruffing helped lead the Yankees to six World Series championships, earning six All-Star selections and winning 273 career games. After serving in the Navy during World War II, he returned to play and later worked as a coach and broadcaster. His durable fastball and competitive spirit made him a fan favorite and key figure in baseball's golden era. Inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1967, Ruffing's legacy remains a benchmark for pitching excellence.

Stewart 'Stu' Hart was born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, in 1915 and served in the Royal Canadian Navy during World War II. After the war, he embarked on a wrestling career that led him to promote his own Stampede Wrestling promotion in Calgary. In 1948, he opened the famed 'Hart Dungeon' in his home basement, training future stars such as Bret Hart and Chris Jericho. Hart's fierce in-ring style and tough training regimen earned him respect across North America and Japan. As a promoter, he helped bring major talent to Calgary and built Stampede Wrestling into a wrestling hotbed. Stu and his wife Helen raised 12 children, many of whom became professional wrestlers themselves. He was inducted into multiple wrestling halls of fame, including the WWE Hall of Fame in 2010 after his death. Stu Hart died in 2003, but his influence on the wrestling world endures through his family and students.

Ted Bates was born in 1918 and joined Southampton FC as a teenager in 1937. His playing career as a wing-half was interrupted by World War II, but he went on to make over 200 appearances for the club. Bates became captain and helped stabilize the team in the Second Division before retiring as a player in 1953. He was appointed manager of Southampton in 1955 and held the position for 18 years, becoming one of England's longest-serving managers. Under his leadership, the club achieved its first promotion to the First Division in 1966, marking a historic milestone. After stepping down as manager in 1973, he continued to serve the club in various roles, including director of football. Known affectionately as 'Mr. Southampton,' Bates was beloved for his loyalty, passion, and community spirit. He passed away in 2003, leaving a lasting legacy at the club he served for over six decades.

Born Walker Smith Jr. in 1921 in Ailey, Georgia, Sugar Ray Robinson began his professional career in 1940 and quickly rose to prominence with his speed, power, and charisma. Over a career spanning 25 years, he amassed a record of 173 wins, 19 losses, and 6 draws, with 108 knockouts. Robinson's signature style influenced generations of boxers, and he is credited with popularizing the term "pound for pound" in the sport. He was named Fighter of the Year multiple times and was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame. Robinson's legacy extends beyond the ring as a cultural icon who broke barriers and set a new standard for athletic excellence.

Born in 1922 in Carlisle, England, Shackleton began his professional career with Newcastle United, where his flair and creativity captured fans' imaginations. He represented England at the international level before moving to Sunderland and then to Hull City. After retiring in 1960, he transitioned to journalism, writing for the Daily Express and becoming known for his witty, insightful commentary on the game. Shackleton's legacy endures as one of football's most entertaining and articulate figures both on and off the pitch.

Born in Timperley, England, in 1924, Tyrrell started racing as a privateer before transitioning to team management. In 1968, he founded Tyrrell Racing, which became one of Formula One's most successful private teams. Under his leadership, drivers like Jackie Stewart won three World Championships in 1969, 1971, and 1973. Tyrrell's innovative car designs and competitive spirit left a lasting imprint on the sport. He continued to lead the team until its sale in 1998 and remained a respected figure in motorsport until his death in 2001.