May 14

Born in Fort Collins, Colorado, Wilkinson began his baseball career as an umpire and promoter. In 1920, he founded the Kansas City Monarchs, one of the most successful franchises in Negro League history. Known as 'Wilkie', he led the Monarchs to multiple league championships with innovative promotions and talent scouting. His inclusive management style broke barriers in segregated baseball and contributed to the game's growth. Wilkinson's legacy was cemented with his posthumous induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2006.

Born in Newark, New Jersey, Englehardt competed in national and regional track meets as a jumper. He was known for his versatility in both the long jump and triple jump disciplines. Englehardt's athletic achievements earned him recognition in amateur athletics circles of his time. Although he did not compete in the Olympic Games, he contributed to the development of track and field in the United States. He later worked in athletics administration until his death in 1942.

Born in 1899, Earle Combs joined the New York Yankees in 1924 and became a key member of the legendary "Murderers' Row" lineup. Known for his smooth swing and speed on the bases, Combs led the league in hits in 1930. He helped the Yankees secure three World Series titles during his tenure. After retiring as a player, Combs served as a coach and scout, passing on his baseball expertise. He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1970, cementing his status as one of the game's greats. Combs died in 1976, remembered for his graceful play and sportsmanship.

Born in Flint, Michigan, in 1925, Sophie Kurys was a star infielder for the Kenosha Comets from 1943 to 1948 in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. Known as 'the Stolen Base Queen,' she set a league record with 201 stolen bases during the 1946 season. Kurys was a four-time All-Star and led her team to multiple postseason appearances. After retiring from baseball, she pursued a career as a teacher and remained an advocate for women's sports. Her achievements have been honored at the Baseball Hall of Fame's Women in Baseball exhibit, and her legacy endures among fans and historians.

Born in Manitoba in 1929, Lorne 'Gump' Worsley was celebrated for his agility and unorthodox style between the pipes. He began his NHL career with the New York Rangers in 1950 before joining the Montreal Canadiens, where he backstopped the team to Stanley Cup victories in 1965, 1966, 1968, and 1969. Known for his fear of flying, Worsley often traveled by train or bus to road games. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1980 and later scouted talent for several NHL teams. Worsley passed away in 2007, leaving a legacy of resilience, dedication, and sporting excellence.

Ethel Johnson was born in 1935 and broke barriers as one of the first African American female wrestlers. Debuting in the 1950s, she competed under the ring name Jungle Queen and developed a dynamic in-ring style. Johnson held multiple regional championships, earning acclaim for her athleticism and showmanship. She toured internationally, inspiring future generations of women athletes. Facing segregation and discrimination, she used her platform to challenge societal norms. After retiring in the 1970s, she advocated for women’s wrestling and remained a beloved mentor. Her legacy endures in the sport’s increasing diversity and visibility of female competitors.

Dick Howser was born in 1936 and excelled as a shortstop with the Cleveland Indians and Kansas City Athletics. After retiring as a player, he became a coach and later the manager of the Kansas City Royals in 1981. Under his leadership, the Royals clinched their first World Series title in 1985. Howser was known for his strategic mind, calm demeanor, and ability to motivate players. In early 1987, he was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor and stepped down midseason. His battle with illness and subsequent passing moved the baseball community. Howser’s name endures through the Dick Howser Trophy, awarded annually to collegiate players.

Tony Pérez is a Cuban-American former professional baseball player and manager. He played 23 seasons in Major League Baseball, primarily with the Cincinnati Reds. Nicknamed 'Big Dog', he was a key member of the Big Red Machine that won two World Series titles in the 1970s. After retiring as a player, Pérez managed the Pittsburgh Pirates and other teams. He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2000.

Yochanan 'Johnny' Vollach is a former Israeli football defender and captain. He led Maccabi Haifa to several Israeli league championships in the 1970s. Vollach also represented Israel in international play, earning over 20 caps. After retiring, he transitioned into sports administration and served as club chairman. His leadership on and off the pitch has made him a respected figure in Israeli football.

Bob Woolmer was born in Kanpur, India, and played county cricket for Kent, representing England in 19 Tests and 32 ODIs. After retiring in 1987, he pioneered analytics in coaching, leading Pakistan to the 1992 Cricket World Cup final and South Africa to strong performances. He also served as director of cricket for Zimbabwe and the West Indies, influencing training methods worldwide. Woolmer's innovative strategies and mentoring helped shape modern cricket coaching. His mysterious death in Jamaica during the 2007 Cricket World Cup sparked global media attention and conspiracy theories.

Dennis Martínez debuted in MLB with the Baltimore Orioles in 1976 and enjoyed a 23-season career. Nicknamed 'El Presidente,' he became a two-time All-Star and pitched a perfect game for the Montreal Expos in 1991. Martínez won a World Series with the 1985 Kansas City Royals, becoming Nicaragua's most celebrated baseball player. After retiring, he served as a pitching coach and youth baseball ambassador in Latin America. His legacy inspires aspiring players across the baseball world.

Born Leon White, he played defensive tackle for the Los Angeles Rams before entering professional wrestling. Adopting the ring name Big Van Vader, he became a dominant force in WCW and NJPW with his agile power moves. Vader held multiple world heavyweight championships and headlined pay-per-views throughout the 1990s. Known for his imposing mask and unexpected agility, he captivated audiences worldwide. After retirement, he remained a beloved figure in wrestling until his passing in 2018.