May 31

Terrance Gordon Sawchuk was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, in 1929 and quickly established himself as a talented young goaltender. He made his NHL debut with the Detroit Red Wings in 1950, winning two consecutive Stanley Cups. Known for his fearless style and acrobatic saves, he set records for career wins and shutouts that stood for decades. Over a 21-season career, he played for five teams and earned four Vezina Trophies as the league's best goaltender. Sawchuk's life was marked by personal struggles, and he died tragically in 1970. He was posthumously inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1971, solidifying his legacy as a legend of the sport.

József Bozsik was born in Budapest in 1925 and spent his entire club career as a midfielder for Budapest Honvéd. A key member of Hungary's Golden Team in the early 1950s, he earned 101 international caps and helped Hungary reach the 1954 World Cup final. Renowned for his vision, passing, and stamina, Bozsik was widely admired by teammates and opponents alike. He transitioned into coaching after retiring as a player, managing both Honvéd and the Hungarian national team. Bozsik's loyalty to his club and his elegant playing style made him a beloved figure in Hungarian football. He passed away in 1978, leaving a legacy as one of the sport's true craftsmen.

Born in 1895, Jack Dempsey rose to fame with his aggressive style and devastating punching power. He held the World Heavyweight title from 1919 to 1926, defending it in some of boxing’s most legendary bouts. Nicknamed "The Manassa Mauler," Dempsey set records with 56 career knockouts and electrified audiences worldwide. He served as a U.S. Marine Corps lieutenant during World War I, reinforcing his image as a tough and patriotic athlete. After retirement, he promoted boxing matches and successfully ran popular restaurants in New York City.

Born in 1912, Charles Van Acker emigrated to the United States and pursued a career in motorsports. He became known for his skill in midget car racing before stepping up to the AAA Championship Car series. Van Acker competed in the Indianapolis 500 multiple times during the late 1940s and early 1950s, showcasing his competitive spirit. He achieved several top-ten finishes in championship events and earned respect among his peers for his driving tenacity. His career contributed to the post-war golden age of American open-wheel racing. After retiring from active competition, he remained involved in the racing community, mentoring younger drivers. He passed away in 1998, remembered as a steadfast figure in early American motorsport history.

Subhash Gupte was born in 1929 in Bombay and made his Test debut for India in 1953. He quickly established himself as a masterful leg-spinner, known for his sharp turn and deceptive googly. Gupte formed a formidable spin partnership that helped India secure historic victories against strong opponents. He took 149 wickets in 36 Test matches, including standout performances in England and Australia. Despite controversies and selection disputes, his skill earned him respect from teammates and rivals alike. After retiring, he contributed to cricket as a coach and mentor for young spinners. Gupte passed away in 2002, but remains celebrated as one of India's greatest spin bowlers.

Pauline Betz (1919–2011) was born in California and became one of the most dominant tennis players of her era. She captured five Grand Slam singles titles, including four U.S. Championships and one Wimbledon crown. Known for her elegant groundstrokes and versatile all-court game, Betz held the world No. 1 ranking from 1942 to 1946. After winning the U.S. title in 1947, she turned professional, joining the Women’s Pro Tour and paving the way for future female athletes. Betz co-founded the first professional women’s touring circuits and advocated for athlete rights. She was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1965 and remains a pioneer of women’s tennis.

Andy Robustelli (1925–2011) was one of the premier defensive ends in NFL history. After playing college football, he signed with the Los Angeles Rams in 1951 and earned All-Pro honors. In 1956, Robustelli joined the New York Giants, where he became a cornerstone of a dominant defense and was named to multiple Pro Bowls. He helped lead the Giants to the NFL Championship game in 1956, 1958, and 1959. Following his playing career, Robustelli served as the New York Giants’ director of operations, contributing to team management and scouting. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1971 in recognition of his impact on the game. Robustelli’s leadership on and off the field left a lasting legacy in professional football.

Paul Pietsch (1911–2012) was a trailblazer in both motorsport and automotive publishing. He competed in Grand Prix racing in the 1930s, driving for teams such as Alfa Romeo and earning class victories. At age 22, Pietsch became one of the youngest drivers in international Grand Prix competition. After World War II, he founded Motorbuch Verlag in Stuttgart, specializing in books on automobiles and motorsport. Under his leadership, the company grew into a leading publisher, producing authoritative works on engineering and racing history. Well into his centenarian years, Pietsch remained an active figure at historic racing events and automotive exhibitions. His dual legacy as a racer and publisher left an indelible mark on the world of motorsport and automotive culture.

Orlando Woolridge (1959–2012) was a standout NBA forward who played 15 seasons for teams including the Chicago Bulls, Denver Nuggets, and Los Angeles Lakers. He averaged 18.0 points per game and was one of the league's most prolific dunkers during the 1980s. Nicknamed for his high-flying style, he helped popularize above-the-rim play and was a key contributor in the Bulls' 1986 Finals run. After his NBA career, Woolridge played professionally in Italy and Spain and later worked as a coach. Known for his athleticism and scoring touch, he left a lasting impact on the game of basketball. He passed away in Hong Kong in 2012 at age 52.

Marinho Chagas (1952–2014) was an extraordinary Brazilian defender known for his forward runs and powerful free kicks. He played for Botafogo, Fluminense, and the New York Cosmos, earning 36 caps for the national team. Chagas shone at the 1974 FIFA World Cup, showcasing Brazil's flair with his overlapping play and set-piece goals. After retiring as a player, he coached teams in Brazil and abroad, sharing his tactical knowledge and passion. Admired for blending defense with offense, he influenced generations of attacking full-backs. His legacy endures as one of Brazil's most charismatic and dynamic defenders.

Hoss Ellington (1935–2014) competed in NASCAR's Grand National and Winston Cup Series as both a driver and owner. He recorded multiple top-five finishes behind the wheel before shifting to team ownership. Ellington's teams featured star drivers like Darrell Waltrip and Harry Gant, securing several race victories. His leadership helped professionalize pit crews and race strategies in stock car racing. He remained a respected figure in the NASCAR community, known for his dedication and competitive spirit. Ellington passed away in 2014, leaving a lasting mark on American motorsport.

James Michael Parks was born in 1931 and became one of England's most versatile cricket talents. Playing for Sussex, he set records with both bat and gloves, scoring over 1,000 runs in a single Test series in 1964. He appeared in 46 Test matches for England between 1954 and 1968, including the Ashes series. After retiring from playing, he contributed as a coach and mentor at Sussex County Cricket Club. His elegant style and adaptability left a lasting legacy in English cricket.