May 28

Sakaigawa Namiemon was a celebrated sumo wrestler of the late 19th century, rising to the sport's highest rank of yokozuna in 1886. Born into a farming family, he gained acclaim for his strength, technique, and dignified ring presence. He won multiple championships and was known for his signature yotsu-zumo grappling style. After retirement, Sakaigawa became a respected coach and elder, mentoring the next generation of rikishi. His dedication to sumo tradition helped solidify its status as Japan's national sport.

Born in Oklahoma in 1888 as a member of the Sac and Fox Nation, Jim Thorpe achieved international fame at the 1912 Stockholm Olympics, winning gold medals in the pentathlon and decathlon. He went on to play professional football in the NFL and baseball in MLB, showcasing his versatility. After his playing career, Thorpe turned to coaching college football, mentoring young athletes. Despite having his Olympic medals controversially stripped and only restored posthumously, he remains celebrated as one of the most accomplished athletes of the early 20th century. Thorpe died in 1953, leaving an enduring legacy in sports history.

Born in Toronto in 1909, Albert “Red” Horner was a hard‐hitting NHL defenseman who spent his entire career (1928–1940) with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Renowned for his physical style, he led the league in penalty minutes multiple times and served as team captain. Horner helped the Leafs secure the Stanley Cup in 1932, providing stalwart defense and leadership. After retiring, he coached junior hockey teams and worked as a hockey executive. Inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1965, he remained a celebrated figure until his death in 2005, remembered as a pioneer enforcer of his era.

Born in 1911, Bob Crisp was a right-arm fast bowler who represented South Africa in five Test matches. Known for his brisk pace and bounce, he took 13 Test wickets during his career. Crisp also excelled in first-class cricket, achieving notable performances for Natal and Transvaal. After retiring from the game, he remained active in sports administration and journalism. He passed away in 1994, leaving a legacy as one of South Africa’s early fast-bowling talents.

Tom Uren (1921–2015) was an Australian soldier, boxer, and Labor Party politician. He served in the Pacific during World War II and endured imprisonment by Japanese forces. After the war, Uren won national boxing titles before entering politics. He represented the Reid constituency in the House of Representatives from 1958 to 1990. As Deputy Leader of the Labor Party, he championed urban renewal and environmental conservation. Uren's resilience and advocacy left a lasting mark on Australian public life.

Lou Duva (1922–2017) was a renowned American boxing trainer and manager. He guided the careers of champions including Evander Holyfield, Pernell Whitaker, and Meldrick Taylor. Known for his tactical acumen and motivational skills, Duva co-founded Main Events boxing promotion. He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2007. Over a career spanning six decades, Duva remained a respected figure in the sport. His expertise and leadership helped shape modern professional boxing.

Jerry West was an American basketball icon whose career spanned playing, coaching, and executive roles. As a player for the Los Angeles Lakers, he was a 14-time All-Star and the 1969 NBA Finals MVP—the only player from the losing team to win the award. Nicknamed 'Mr. Clutch' for his late-game heroics, he led the league in scoring in 1970. After retiring, West served as head coach and later as a front-office executive, helping build championship teams in Los Angeles and Memphis. Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, his silhouette remains part of the NBA logo.

Born in Parry Sound, Ontario, Crisp played as a center in the NHL for the Boston Bruins, Philadelphia Flyers, and Montreal Canadiens. He won Stanley Cups with the Bruins in 1970 and the Canadiens in 1977 before retiring as a player. Transitioning to coaching, he led the Calgary Flames to their first Stanley Cup in 1989 and received the Jack Adams Award in 1995 with the Tampa Bay Lightning. Known for his strategic mind and leadership, Crisp has also worked in scouting and player development. His contributions have left a lasting mark on professional hockey in Canada and the US.

Sidney Earl "Skip" Jutze was selected by the Houston Astros in the 1966 draft and debuted in Major League Baseball in 1972. He served primarily as a catcher, appearing in games for the Astros and later the Milwaukee Brewers during the mid-1970s. Jutze was valued for his defensive skills behind the plate and his ability to handle pitching staffs effectively. After retiring from playing, he remained involved in baseball as a coach and mentor to young athletes. His career reflects the journeyman spirit of 1970s baseball, contributing to teams with grit and professionalism.

Pierre Gauthier began his journey as a hockey player in Canada's junior leagues, showcasing early talent on the ice. Throughout the 1970s, he played professionally in various Canadian and European circuits. After retiring as a player, he transitioned to management, applying his deep understanding of the game. Gauthier held executive positions with several professional teams, shaping rosters and scouting emerging talent. His strategic insights contributed to the success of franchises and the development of future stars. With decades of experience, he remains a respected figure in the hockey community.

Born in 1954, Oliveira emerged as one of Brazil's leading track and field athletes in the 1970s. He specialized in the triple jump, where his explosive technique made him a formidable competitor. Oliveira represented Brazil at multiple Olympic Games, earning a reputation on the world stage. He secured podium finishes at major international competitions and set national records. His achievements inspired a generation of Brazilian athletes and raised the profile of track and field in his country. His legacy in athletics endured beyond his passing in 1999.

Jeff Dujon was born in 1956 in Jamaica and became the West Indies national team's principal wicketkeeper. He played in over 80 Test matches and 160 One Day Internationals during the 1980s. Known for his sharp reflexes and reliable glove work, Dujon was integral to a dominant era of West Indies cricket. He contributed with the bat in crucial lower-order partnerships, adding depth to the lineup. After retiring, he remained involved in cricket through coaching and commentary roles. Dujon's skill behind the stumps set a high standard for future generations of wicketkeepers.