May 04

Ralph McKittrick was born in 1877 and became one of the leading American amateur golfers of his era. At the 1904 St. Louis Olympics, he won a silver medal as part of the U.S. golf team. He also competed in national tennis tournaments, showcasing his athletic versatility. Beyond sports competitions, McKittrick served in golf administration and promoted both golf and tennis in the United States. He passed away on May 4, 1923, leaving a legacy in two major sports.

Kanō Jigorō was born in 1860 and introduced a systematic martial art combining physical education and moral philosophy. He established the Kodokan in Tokyo in 1882 and developed judo from traditional jujutsu techniques. Judo under his guidance emphasized maximum efficiency and mutual welfare. He later served as Japan’s representative to the International Olympic Committee, promoting judo globally. Kano’s work laid the foundation for judo’s inclusion in the Olympic Games, and he died on May 4, 1938.

Chris McKivat was born in 1880 and captained the Australian rugby union team at the 1908 London Olympics, winning the gold medal. After switching to rugby league, he continued to excel, becoming one of the sport’s early stars. McKivat served as a coach and administrator after his playing days, helping to shape the development of rugby in Australia. His leadership on the field and contributions off it left a lasting impact on both codes of the sport. He passed away on May 4, 1941.

Alexandre Pharamond (1876–1953) was a French rugby union player active in the early 20th century. He represented the French national team at international matches, helping to establish France on the world rugby stage. Known for his robust playing style and leadership qualities, he played a key role in the development of the sport domestically. Pharamond's commitment and skill set the foundation for future generations of French rugby athletes. His legacy endures in the history of French sports as one of the pioneering figures.

Connie Wisniewski excelled as both a pitcher and outfielder in the AAGPBL from 1944 to 1954. She pitched a no-hitter in her rookie season and earned multiple All-Star selections. Wisniewski also showcased her batting prowess, winning a batting title in 1945. Her versatility and athleticism made her one of the league's standout players. After baseball, she remained active in promoting women's sports and was honored by the Baseball Hall of Fame.

Sammy McCrory (1924–2011) was a Northern Irish footballer known for his speed and keen eye for goal. He began his career with Linfield before moving to clubs like Norwich City, Port Vale, and Wrexham. McCrory earned six caps for Northern Ireland and scored twice on the international stage. A prolific scorer at club level, he became a fan favorite through the 1940s and 1950s. After retiring, he remained involved in football at the community level, leaving a lasting legacy.

Rashidi Yekini (1963–2012) was a Nigerian striker renowned for his powerful play and clinical finishing. He scored Nigeria's first-ever goal at a FIFA World Cup during the 1994 tournament. Across his career, he netted 37 goals in 62 appearances for the national team, becoming its top scorer. Yekini starred for clubs in Portugal, Egypt, and Spain, earning respect for his dedication and skill. His contributions helped raise the profile of Nigerian football on the global stage. He remained an inspirational figure for young athletes until his passing in 2012.

Born in Kyiv in 1983 and raised in Scotland from childhood. She turned professional in 1997 and reached a career-high ranking of world No. 49 in 2010. Baltacha won multiple ITF titles and reached the fourth round of the Australian Open in 2012. She held the British No. 1 women's ranking on several occasions between 2002 and 2012. Known for her tenacity on court, she battled a youth liver condition and later liver cancer. She retired in 2013 and became an influential coach and ambassador for tennis in the UK. Tragically, she died in 2014 at the age of 30, leaving a legacy of inspiration.

Born in Humboldt, Saskatchewan in 1947, he began his NHL career with the Boston Bruins in 1967. Lonsberry was traded to the Philadelphia Flyers in 1972, where he became a key member of the 'Broad Street Bullies.' He helped the Flyers win back-to-back Stanley Cups in 1974 and 1975, contributing grit and scoring depth. In 1974–75, he achieved a career-high 31 goals and was selected for the NHL All-Star Game. He finished his career with stints in Los Angeles and Pittsburgh, retiring in 1981 with over 1,000 NHL games played. Known for his durability and work ethic, Lonsberry was beloved by teammates and fans alike. He passed away in 2014 at the age of 67.

Marv Hubbard (1946–2015) was an American professional football fullback distinguished by his bruising running style and durability. After going undrafted in 1968, he became a key player for the Oakland Raiders, rushing for over 3,500 yards in the early 1970s. He earned three consecutive Pro Bowl selections from 1971 to 1973 and was named the NFL Comeback Player of the Year in 1972. Hubbard later played briefly for the Detroit Lions before retiring due to injuries. He remained involved in football as a coach and mentor, remembered as one of the Raiders' toughest and most reliable backs.

Don Shula (1930–2020) was an American football coach and former defensive back celebrated as the winningest coach in NFL history with 347 victories. He guided the Miami Dolphins to a historic 17–0 perfect season and two Super Bowl championships in the early 1970s. Shula's career spanned 33 years as a head coach for the Baltimore Colts and Dolphins, showcasing innovative strategies and leadership. Before coaching, he played professionally for the Cleveland Browns and Baltimore Colts. Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1997, Shula remained a revered figure for his integrity and contributions to the game.