May 12

Born in 1928 as the Marquess of Portago, he represented Spain in the 1956 Winter Olympics bobsleigh event. He joined Ferrari in sports car racing and entered Formula One, showcasing his daring driving style. His vibrant personality and aristocratic flair made him a celebrity off the track as well. Tragically, he died in a crash during the 1957 Mille Miglia, leading to sweeping safety reforms in motorsport. De Portago's brief yet impactful career left an enduring mark on racing history.

Born in 1878, Girulatis played as a forward before becoming one of Germany's first professional coaches. He took charge of clubs such as BTuFC Britannia and notably served as the inaugural coach of FC Bayern Munich. He introduced structured training methods and tactical discipline to German football. His pioneering approach laid groundwork for the sport's professionalization in Germany. Girulatis remained active in the football community until his death in 1963.

Born in Ireland in 1882, Kerr emigrated to Canada as a child and developed into a world-class sprinter. At the 1908 London Olympics, he claimed gold in the 200 meters and bronze in the 100 meters. His elegant running style earned him the nickname The Perfect Stride. After retiring from competition, he coached emerging athletes and promoted athletics across Canada. He served on the Canadian Olympic Committee, influencing sports administration until his death in 1963.

Heinie Manush was born in Buford, Georgia in 1901. He made his MLB debut in 1923 and became one of the era's most prolific hitters. In 1926, he won the American League batting title with a .378 average. A nine-time All-Star, Manush compiled a career .330 batting average over 19 seasons. He played for teams including the St. Louis Browns and Detroit Tigers before retiring in 1944. Inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1964, he later served as a coach, passing on his knowledge to new players.

Art Pollard was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma in 1927. He raced in USAC Championship Car series and made seven Indianapolis 500 starts. Known for his fearless driving style, he became a fan favorite on the racing circuit. Pollard's career highlights include multiple top-ten finishes at Indy. Tragically, he was killed in a practice crash at Michigan International Speedway in 1973. His legacy lives on among racing enthusiasts who remember his dedication to the sport.

Zeno Colò (1920–1993) was a trailblazing Italian alpine skier celebrated for his remarkable achievements in the post-war era. At the 1950 FIS Alpine World Ski Championships, he secured gold medals in downhill, giant slalom, and alpine combined, becoming the first skier to achieve such a feat in a single championship. Known for his dynamic technique and fearless approach, Colò dominated international competitions and set new standards in the sport. He represented Italy on the world stage and remained a leading figure throughout his career. After retiring from competitive skiing, he coached the Italian national team and inspired a new generation of athletes. He passed away in 1993, leaving a lasting legacy as one of Italy's greatest skiing icons.

Adolfo Pedernera (1918–1995) was an influential Argentine footballer celebrated for his elegant playmaking and technical skill. As a key member of River Plate's legendary 'La Máquina' lineup in the 1940s, he helped lead the club to multiple league titles with his vision and accurate passing. Pedernera captained the Argentina national team and was instrumental in securing the 1946 South American Championship. After retiring from playing, he transitioned into management, coaching top clubs in Argentina and Colombia and nurturing future stars. His innovations in the attacking midfield role influenced generations of footballers across South America. Pedernera's contributions to the sport have earned him a lasting reputation as one of Argentina's greatest football icons.

Adam Petty (1980–2000) was a promising American stock car driver and heir to the legendary Petty racing dynasty. Grandson of seven-time NASCAR champion Richard Petty, Adam began racing go-karts at a young age and quickly ascended through the ranks of late model and Busch Series competitions. He made his debut in the NASCAR Busch Series in 1999 and earned praise for his skillful driving and sportsmanship. As a member of Petty Enterprises, expectations were high for his future success in the sport. Tragically, Petty suffered a fatal crash during a practice session at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in May 2000 at just 19 years old. His death led to improved safety standards in NASCAR and left a lasting impact on the racing community.

Valdir Pereira (1928–2001), known as Didi, was a legendary Brazilian midfielder credited with introducing the 'folha seca' free-kick technique. He starred for the national team in the 1958 and 1962 FIFA World Cups, helping Brazil secure back-to-back titles with his vision and playmaking skills. At club level, Didi enjoyed success with Madureira, Fluminense, and Botafogo, winning multiple state championships. After retiring, he managed teams across Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia, sharing his tactical insights. Didi was celebrated for his leadership on and off the pitch and was inducted into the Brazilian Football Museum Hall of Fame. He passed away in 2001, leaving a lasting legacy in the sport he helped shape.

Born in 1921, Jan Bens was a Dutch footballer who played as a midfielder during the post-war era. He competed at the top levels of Dutch football and was known for his tactical intelligence on the field. After retiring as a player, Bens transitioned into coaching, leading several clubs in the Netherlands. He emphasized youth development and helped train a new generation of football talent. Bens was respected for his leadership and contributions to Dutch football culture. He remained active in local sports organizations until his death in 2012.

Mike Agostini (1935-2016) was a Trinidadian sprinter who emerged as a Caribbean track star in the 1950s. He captured gold in the 100-yard dash at the 1954 British Empire and Commonwealth Games. Agostini represented Trinidad and Tobago at the 1956 Melbourne and 1960 Rome Olympic Games. After retiring, he coached athletics in the United States and advocated for youth sports development. His pioneering achievements inspired future generations of Caribbean athletes.

A. J. Smith (1949–2024) was an American football executive who served as general manager of the San Diego Chargers from 2003 to 2012. He built the Chargers into a competitive franchise by drafting key players such as Philip Rivers and Shawne Merriman. Prior to his tenure in San Diego, Smith worked in scouting and personnel roles with the Philadelphia Eagles and other NFL teams. Under his leadership, the Chargers reached the playoffs six times and secured multiple division titles. After leaving San Diego, he continued to influence NFL team-building through advisory and executive positions.