May 22

Born Charles Albert Bender in 1884 on the White Earth Indian Reservation, he earned the nickname 'Chief'. Bender debuted in 1903 with the Philadelphia Athletics, becoming one of the era's most dominant pitchers. He helped the Athletics secure four American League pennants and three World Series titles between 1910 and 1914. Known for his strategic use of the spitball and changeup, he recorded over 200 career wins and a sub-2.50 ERA. After retiring, Bender served as a coach and mentor, sharing his expertise with younger players. In 1953, he was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, cementing his place as a pioneer among Native American athletes.

Born in 1900 in Bristol, Tom Goddard played for Gloucestershire from 1922 to 1950, amassing over 2,500 wickets. His mastery of flight and spin troubled batsmen on both hard and turning pitches. Goddard appeared in two Test matches for England but found his greatest success in county cricket. His best season came in 1937, taking 183 wickets at an average below 20 runs apiece. Following retirement, he served as a coach and mentor, sharing his knowledge of spin bowling. Goddard's enduring records place him among the legends of the game for his consistency and longevity.

George 'Lefty' Grove led the American League in wins and earned run average multiple times. He pitched for the Philadelphia Athletics and Boston Red Sox from 1925 to 1941. He won the MVP Award in 1931 and helped the Athletics win consecutive World Series titles. Known for his blazing fastball, he recorded 300 career victories and over 3,000 strikeouts. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1947. His legacy endures as one of the all-time great pitchers in Major League Baseball history.

Rocky Graziano, born Thomas Rocco Barbella, rose from a troubled youth to become world middleweight boxing champion from 1947 to 1948. He was famed for his relentless aggression, powerful punching, and dramatic comebacks in the ring. Graziano faced legendary opponents like Tony Zale and Sugar Ray Robinson, delivering memorable bouts that captivated fans. After retiring, he turned to acting and broadcasting, sharing anecdotes from his colorful past. His best-selling autobiography further cemented his status as a boxing icon. Graziano's life journey from hardship to triumph remains an inspiration beyond the sport itself.

Stan Mortensen was an English inside forward who made over 500 league appearances and scored more than 200 goals. He is best remembered for his hat-trick in the 1953 FA Cup final as Blackpool triumphed over Bolton Wanderers. Mortensen earned 25 caps for England, netting 23 international goals and showcasing exceptional finishing skills. After retiring as a player, he managed several clubs and contributed to coaching young talent. His professionalism and sportsmanship earned him admiration both on and off the pitch. Mortensen's achievements left a lasting impact on English football history before his passing in 1991.

Mikhail Voronin was born in Moscow in 1945 and trained at the Soviet Dynamo sports club. He emerged as one of the world's top male gymnasts, winning two gold medals at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics in the rings and parallel bars. Voronin also secured four gold medals at the World Championships between 1966 and 1970. Renowned for his elegance and technical precision, he helped solidify the Soviet Union's dominance in men's gymnastics. After retiring from competition, he became a respected coach and judge in the sport. Voronin's legacy endures through the gymnasts he mentored. He died on May 22, 2004.

Born in Sand Springs, Oklahoma, on March 10, 1926, Marques Haynes became known for his extraordinary ball-handling and dribbling skills. After starring at Langston University, he joined the Harlem Globetrotters in 1947, captivating audiences worldwide for over two decades. Haynes earned the nickname 'Dribble King' for his ability to control the ball at lightning speed and perform complex tricks. He later played in the short-lived Harlem Magicians and coached basketball clinics, sharing his techniques with aspiring players. Haynes was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1998 for his contributions to the game’s popularity and entertainment value. He passed away on May 22, 2015, at the age of 89, remembered as one of basketball’s most skilled and charismatic players.

Born in Owensboro, Kentucky, on July 30, 1981, Nicky Hayden earned the nickname 'The Kentucky Kid' as he rose through the ranks of motorcycle racing. He won the AMA Superbike Championship in 2002 and 2005 before joining the MotoGP World Championship in 2003. Hayden claimed the MotoGP title in 2006, narrowly defeating Valentino Rossi in a thrilling season finale at Valencia. He rode for Honda's factory team before stints with Ducati and the Aspar racing team, showcasing his talent on both factory and privateer machinery. In 2017, Hayden suffered a fatal cycling accident in Italy and passed away on May 22, leaving a profound impact on the racing community. He was posthumously inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 2018 for his achievements and sportsmanship.

David Wilkie was born in Colombo, Sri Lanka (then Ceylon), in 1954 and moved to Scotland as a child. He became one of Great Britain's most successful swimmers, specializing in the breaststroke. At the 1976 Montreal Olympics, he won gold in the 200m breaststroke, breaking the world record and ending the United States' winning streak. He also earned a silver medal in the 100m breaststroke at the 1972 Munich Olympics and bronze in 1976. Wilkie set multiple world records during his career and dominated European and Commonwealth competitions throughout the 1970s. After retiring from competitive swimming, he served as a coach and sports administrator, promoting aquatic sports in the UK. For his achievements, he was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE). Wilkie's legacy endures as a pioneer who elevated British swimming on the world stage.